By John E. Baker II, exclusive | Railroads don’t just move freight. They move the economy, connect communities and keep the supply chain flowing.
Here in South Carolina, it’s no different. Our rail system plays a crucial role locally, supporting 339,700 jobs and generating more than $56.8 billion in economic output across the state. From the mountains in the west to the coast in the east, our 2,300 miles of tracks are the arteries of commerce. But an industry like rail comes with a duty to ensure the safety of the people working on the tracks and those living near them.
As union president of Local 61 in Charleston, I know that safety is an issue that we must talk about and we live by. For the men and women who work the rails, safety is the job. And for our communities, it’s crucial to understand the risks around railroads and how we can prevent accidents.
South Carolina is a state built on rail, with two Class I railroads and eight short lines handling freight that powers our local and regional economies. But these miles of tracks can also be quite dangerous – particularly when the rules are not abided by – and too many lives are lost each year. In fact, across the U.S., one person or vehicle is hit by a train every three hours. Sadly, most of these incidents are avoidable.
Many major players in the rail industry have partnered with Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), a nationally recognized leader in rail safety education, to prevent collisions, injuries and fatalities on and around railroad tracks and crossings. OLI has been leading this effort for 52 years and since its inception, collisions at rail crossings have decreased by 82%. For rail workers, on-duty fatalities have declined by 71% since 2000 and were at an all-time low in 2023.
This is fantastic progress, but I believe we can do better. Commitments and partnerships from railroad companies and community leaders is a major step in the right direction.
CSX is both a major presence in South Carolina’s rail infrastructure and a key player in promoting rail safety. Beyond partnering with OLI, CSX has been a vocal advocate for community safety. It works with local law enforcement, first responders and schools to ensure that the public understands the dangers around railroads and takes the necessary precautions. Beyond that, its “culture of safety” included launching a mentor program to connect new hires with tenured workers to reinforce safety practices, as well as expanding their new conductor training to include a week of additional on-the-job training.
Norfolk Southern, the other big Class I presence in Charleston, invests around $1 billion annually into infrastructure maintenance which is important to rail safety. But in addition to that, it has deployed new technologies that help keep trains and tracks safe – like digital train inspection portals and acoustic bearing detectors.
Despite these great efforts, we must remember rail safety is a team effort. For workers in the union, rigorous training and strict safety protocols help protect our members. For the public, it’s being aware and making safe and smart decisions. Whether driving, walking or biking near tracks, the choices people make can be the difference between life and death. More than 60% of collisions occur at crossings equipped with warning signals, highlighting the importance of paying close attention when around tracks.
We must recognize safety is a year-round commitment. It’s about making sure we’re all educated and doing our part. For the union members I represent, safety is not just a slogan—it’s who we are. And for the broader public, it needs to be the same. See Tracks? Think Train! Week is always a great reminder to take a moment and consider rail safety protocols and habits. Slow down, look both ways, abide by signage, and stay safe. No shortcut is worth risking your life.
John Baker II, a local firefighter who lives in the Cainhoy area, is president of the Charleston Local 61 of the Professional Fire Fighters Association of South Carolina.
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