Little Rock, Arkansas – Authorities in Arkansas are stressing the importance of safety around trains after a string of recent fatalities and accidents that have put the spotlight on rail safety in the state. Trains have resumed normal service near Geyer Springs Road in Little Rock following a tragic incident on Monday afternoon in which a person was struck and killed while on the tracks.
“Don’t try to take a shortcut across railroad tracks, thinking you’re going to get there faster, because something bad could very well happen,” said Mike Jaixen, Senior Communications Manager at Union Pacific. Jaixen emphasized that the company is committed to promoting safety for everyone, but he did not offer specifics on why these incidents are occurring. “We are continually looking at safety measures, safety metrics, incidents, and when we have a situation like this, that requires that we work with local law enforcement to work on enforcement activities around those locations that may be problematic,” he added.
The dangers posed by trains are not isolated to Little Rock. According to Operation Lifesaver Inc., Arkansas ranked 14th nationwide for train collisions and fatalities as of 2024. Just last week, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office reported a deadly crash in Wrightsville, where a woman lost her life and a man was injured after their vehicle was struck by a train. Meanwhile, in Piggott, an 80-year-old man died after a vehicle-involved collision on tracks lacking crossbars or lights, as confirmed by Clay County Sheriff Ronnie Cole.
Experts point to a combination of human behavior and inattentiveness as key factors in these tragic incidents. Brock Thompson, owner of Thompson Driving School, noted that time pressure and distraction play major roles in accidents near railways. “It is becoming more and more of a problem, and I think it has to do with people’s time management and people’s, you know, attention to detail, as well as the urgency that people seem to have,” Thompson explained.
Thompson and his team work daily with drivers on both awareness and safety, emphasizing that even the most cautious individuals can become distracted. “In a lot of cases, we’re seeing that people are paying attention to their radio, they’re paying attention to their phone, they’re paying attention to people in the car, and they may not even realize that the barricades are coming down,” he said.
The U.S. Department of Transportation supports this observation, noting that over half of all train-vehicle collisions occur at locations with properly functioning active warning devices, such as flashing lights, gate arms, and bells. The federal agency underscores that safety begins with awareness and preparation. “Focus on driving. That’s the number one thing you’ve got to get from point A to point B,” Thompson added. “Second thing is, be prepared to drive. Set your radio, set your air, get yourself comfortable. And probably the third thing, just, you know, off the top of my head, is you’ve got to get away from technology.”
Between 2021 and 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported 16 train-related incidents in Jefferson, Pulaski, and Saline counties alone, highlighting a persistent pattern of risk in areas where railways intersect with roads. While technology and infrastructure improvements can help, authorities insist that personal responsibility and attention remain the most critical factors in preventing accidents.
Union Pacific continues to work closely with local law enforcement, evaluating high-risk areas and implementing strategies to reduce the likelihood of future tragedies. Their efforts include monitoring accident-prone locations, reinforcing public safety campaigns, and educating communities about the dangers of shortcuts across tracks.
For residents, safety around trains involves a combination of vigilance, patience, and adherence to posted warnings. “These tracks are not just lines on a map,” said Thompson. “They are active, moving, heavy machines that don’t stop for anything. One mistake, one lapse in attention, can cost a life.”
As trains move safely once again near Geyer Springs Road, officials are reminding the public that rail safety is a shared responsibility. Awareness, caution, and preparation are essential for avoiding tragedies, particularly in a state where train-related accidents remain alarmingly frequent. While infrastructure and enforcement play key roles, ultimately, the decisions made by drivers and pedestrians are what save lives.
