MARYSVILLE—The Marysville Police Department will reinforce its commitment to public safety through targeted enforcement and education around railroad crossings on Monday, September 22. Across the United States, rail incidents occur with alarming frequency. A person or vehicle is struck by a train every three hours in the United States, according to Operation Lifesaver Inc. With more than 140,000 miles of track and over 200,000 roadway-railroad crossings nationwide, the risk is widespread. Trespassing is the leading cause of rail-related fatalities, followed by crossing incidents.
As part of Operation Clear Track, the largest national rail safety initiative led by Operation Lifesaver and the Amtrak Police Department, MPD joins agencies across the country to promote safe behaviors near tracks and crossings.
MPD’s participation reinforces its commitment to preventing tragedies and ensuring every crossing is approached with vigilance. In September 2024, MPD officers conducted a focused Operation Lifesaver traffic detail ̶̶̶ in just four hours 46 citations were issued for violations at the tracks, this is a clear indication that unsafe behavior near rail infrastructure continues to pose serious risks in our community.
Video footage from the 4th Street crossing shows a vehicle stopped directly on the railroad tracks—a dangerous and illegal maneuver. Additional photographs document violations where drivers failed to stop at the white markings before signal arms, while others stopped too close to the tracks and in danger of being struck by the train. These examples highlight a critical need for continued education and enforcement.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration’s Fatality, Injury, and Illness Map, Washington state reported eight rail-related fatalities in 2025. To learn more about rail safety and view state-by-state statistics, visit Operation Lifesaver’s Track Statistics.
Source: Marysville Police Department
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
