By the numbers: Texas leads nation in freight train accidents, Harris County ranks highest in state

HOUSTON – Texas has more miles of freight train tracks than any other state, surpassing Illinois and California combined.

According to Operation Lifesaver, Texas also leads the nation in railroad crossing accidents.

Freight Train Track Miles by State (2023):

• Texas: 12,092 miles
• Illinois: 7,877 miles
• California: 5,241 miles

RELATED: Residents call for more safety measures after student walking to school killed by train in SE Houston

Top States for Railroad Crossing Accidents (2023):

• Texas: 246 accidents, 16 fatalities, 77 injuries
• California: 172 accidents, 38 fatalities, 75 injuries
• Georgia: 135 accidents, 6 fatalities, 37 injuries

Harris County: The State’s Freight Train Accident Epicenter

Data from the Federal Railroad Administration reveals Harris County leads Texas in train accidents. In 2023, the county reported:

• 46 train accidents (most in Texas)
• 28 derailments (highest by county in the state)
• $4.75 million in reported damages (state’s highest)

Safety measures for students

Given the risks, local school districts are taking action. Houston Independent School District (HISD) offers transportation options for students facing unsafe walking routes.

“Any family can say their child doesn’t have a safe walking route to school, and we will pick that child up,” an HISD representative said. “That is what HISD does on our end—what we believe is in our control.”