Programs
KCS is committed to supporting grade crossing collision and trespass prevention as integral parts of our safety culture.  A motorist disobeying a traffic control device at a highway rail grade crossing or someone illegally coming onto our property represent actions that increase risk for the motorist and our employees.  KCS utilizes the following programs to maximize our impact on preventing highway rail grade crossing collision and trespass prevention. 

Operation Lifesaver
KCSR and KCSM are avid supporters of the Operation Lifesaver  program in the U.S., as well as Mexico, where it is known as Alto Total.  Operation Lifesaver is a non-profit, international continuing public education program, first established in 1972 to end collisions, deaths and injuries at places where roadways cross train tracks, and on railroad rights-of-way.  Operation Lifesaver programs are sponsored cooperatively by federal, state and local government agencies; highway safety organizations and railroads.  Call KCSR, KCSM or your state Operation Lifesaver program to schedule a safety presentation.

Grade Crossing Consolidation
The public safety programs include aggressive efforts to close public, private and unauthorized grade crossings, thereby eliminating the opportunity for a collision.  Crossings targeted for closure are normally those near other crossings that allow access to the same roads or areas and crossings that are not currently used or that have low traffic volumes.  The closure of public crossings requires the cooperation of local government.  Private crossings are there by request and crossing agreements are necessary.

Right of Way & Warning Device Maintenance
KCSR and KCSM invest millions of dollars annually to maintain the right of way near public crossings and to maintain the warning devices that are installed there.  As much as practical, vegetation and potential obstructions on the right of way are removed.  Each public at-grade crossing approach is required to have a crossbuck to warn the vehicle traffic at the crossing.  If active warning devices (flashers and/or gates) have been installed by the state or roadway jurisdiction, the railroad usually maintains these devices.  Additionally, active warning devices are regularly inspected, maintained and repaired to help assure proper function every time a train approaches a crossing.