CHAPEL HILL (AP) — North Carolina officials are trying to figure out how to reduce the number of fatal train accidents in the state.
The News & Observer of Raleigh reports 15 people have died in train-related accidents so far this year. That compares with 18 deaths for all of 2012.
Officials say most of the deaths have involved pedestrians trespassing on the railroad right of way. Nine of the 15 deaths this year have been people trespassing on the tracks.
Those walking on the railroad tracks and right of way can be charged with a misdemeanor.
Nelson High with the Transportation Department points out that it can take a train a mile or more to stop.
Officials say most non-pedestrian deaths involve drivers who try to beat trains at a crossing.