Shove Trains Over Flashing Lights? FRA Demands Safety Huddles Now
Published Date: 9/17/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Railroad Administration is stepping up safety for railroad crews pushing or shoving trains across crossings with just flashing lights or passive warnings. After more accidents, including one death, they’re adding new rules: railroads must hold in-person safety briefings and review training programs. These changes aim to keep workers safer without extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
In-person Safety Briefings Required
The FRA recommends that railroads conduct direct, face-to-face safety briefings with all operating employees who perform or oversee shoving or pushing movements. This recommendation (added as recommendation 5) was issued after two recent accidents, including a fatality on June 13, 2026 and a severe injury on August 6, 2026.
Immediate Training Program Review
The FRA recommends that railroads immediately review and correct written instruction, training, and examination programs for employees who handle shoving or pushing movements. Railroads should verify records show each affected employee was qualified on applicable rules within the previous three years, per 49 CFR 218.95.
Crossing Hazard Evaluations; Stop-and-Flag
The FRA reiterates that railroads should evaluate crossings with only flashing lights or passive warnings to see if riders can make a complete visual "track is clear" determination. If an evaluation shows a riding employee cannot safely determine the track is clear, railroads should update rules and bulletins to require stop-and-flag protection at that crossing.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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