ITRE in the News: New Tool Available to Prevent Deaths on Train Tracks

Infrared camera shots along the Raleigh to Charlotte rail corridor. Source: ncdot.gov.

From NCDOT.gov, February 22, 2021: A state railroad safety study could save lives by giving officials a better tool to prevent people from getting hit by trains.

The four-year study used thermal cameras to develop a more complete understanding of the extent of pedestrian trespassing on North Carolina‘s rail network. The study, conducted by researchers at the Institute of Transportation Research and Education (ITRE), was supported and funded by the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Rail Division and Research & Development unit.

Officials intend to use the study to target their outreach and engineering efforts to areas where trespassing on railroad tracks has been the biggest problem. Trespassing is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in North Carolina. Read More