Union Pacific Urges Houston Area Families to Refresh Rail Safety Rules with School Back in Session
School zones are buzzing again, buses are rolling, and walking routes are filling up with students—but how many families have talked about rail safety this year?
As part of its TrackSafe Houston campaign, Union Pacific Railroad is encouraging parents, educators, and student leaders to hit “pause” this week and review how to stay safe around train tracks—before school routines become second nature.
“Back-to-school is a perfect time to revisit safe travel habits,” said Richard Zientek, senior director – Public Affairs for Union Pacific Railroad. “Whether your child walks, bikes or rides to school, it’s essential they understand the dangers around train tracks and know how to stay safe.”
Greater Houston’s Hidden Danger Zones: Trains and School Routes Collide
The Greater Houston Area is home to one of the busiest freight rail networks in the country. Trains pass through dozens of neighborhoods where students commute on foot or by bike—especially in areas like Spring Branch, East End, North Houston, and Katy.
And the numbers don’t lie.
In 2024, Texas reported more than 100 vehicle-train collisions, with many occurring in urban and suburban communities. Trains can take more than a mile to stop—and they’re often quieter and faster than people expect.
That’s why Union Pacific says this week is the right time to re-train your brain and refresh your kids on the basics of crossing safely.
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5 Quick Safety Tips Every Houston Area Family Should Review
Whether your child walks, rides, or takes the bus, Union Pacific encourages parents to go over these five life-saving reminders:
- Cross only at marked crossings. Don’t shortcut across tracks.
- Unplug near train tracks. No earbuds or phones at crossings.
- Never try to “beat” a train. Trains can’t stop quickly—and they always win.
- Stay off and away from tracks. Even standing near them is risky.
- Teach and model safe habits. Kids learn by watching adults.
Calling All PTOs, Scouts & Safety Patrols: Get Involved with TrackSafe
Union Pacific is inviting local schools, scout troops, student councils, and PTOs to bring rail safety directly to their campus this fall.
Free bilingual materials, posters, and school-safe resources are available through TrackSafe Houston, and schools can even request a safety presentation or community booth at their next event. Great for:
- Morning announcements
- Safety patrol programs
- Scouting badge activities
- Community service hours
Teachers, parent leaders, and principals can request materials or events at up.com/TrackSafeHouston.
Look for TrackSafe Events This Fall
Union Pacific is appearing at Houston-area community events this August and September to connect directly with families. So far, appearances are planned in East End, Spring Branch, Katy, Cypress, and North Houston.
If your neighborhood hasn’t scheduled a TrackSafe stop yet, Union Pacific invites you to reach out and request one.
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Try This: The TrackSafe Family Challenge
Have a quick dinner conversation tonight: “What would you do if your scooter or bike got stuck on the tracks?”
Walk your child through real-life scenarios, practice safety habits, and challenge them to remember all five safety tips by the end of the week. It’s quick. It’s free. It could save a life.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
