Your Voice Is Having an Impact on Rail Safety

When SMART-TD first asked railroaders to speak up about the dangers of drones operating around active rail yards and critical railroad infrastructure, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) public comment docket contained just 202 submissions.

Today, that number has climbed to 334 comments — an increase of 132 additional voices weighing in on this important safety issue.

While we cannot say with certainty that every new comment came from a SMART-TD member, a family member, or a supporter of our position, one thing is undeniable: since our membership was activated, public participation on this issue has surged.

That is exactly how grassroots advocacy is supposed to work.

Thank You to All Who Have Helped

SMART-TD’s National Safety and Legislative Department would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the 15 State Safety and Legislative Boards that have already stepped up and launched e-mail and peer-to-peer text message campaigns encouraging members to participate in this effort. We also want to recognize the State Directors and Local Legislative Representatives, and the leadership of the SMART-TD Auxiliary, who have helped spread the word and engage members across the country.

Most importantly, we want to thank every SMART-TD member who took a few minutes out of their day to submit a comment to the FAA.

You are making a difference.

Why Stopping Drones in OUR Workplace Matters

For years, railroaders have warned about the growing use of drones inside active rail yards and around moving trains. SMART-TD members understand better than anyone that rail operations already demand constant awareness, concentration, and communication. Introducing drones into these environments creates distractions, raises security concerns, and introduces unnecessary risks into workplaces that already contain moving equipment, hazardous materials, and critical infrastructure.

The federal government is now considering restrictions on drone operations around transportation facilities because these concerns are real. The fact that regulators are examining this issue at all is proof that railroad workers’ voices matter.

But the comment period is still open, and our work is not finished.

Submit Your Comments by July 6

The quality of our argument is not in question. Railroad workers know what happens in rail yards every day. We know the hazards. We know the risks. We know the difference between safe operations and unnecessary distractions.

The question now is simple:

How much volume will our voice bring to this conversation?

Every additional comment helps demonstrate that these concerns are not isolated complaints or whining. They are shared by railroad workers across the country who understand what is at stake when drones become normalized around active railroad operations.

If you have been thinking about submitting a comment, now is the time.

This Only Takes a Few Minutes

As we explained in our original article, your comment does not need to be long, complicated, or written like a legal brief.

Simply tell the FAA:

• Your craft and years of experience on the rail.
• Why active rail yards are dangerous enough without drones operating overhead.
• Why drone surveillance for operational testing creates unnecessary distractions and hazards.
• Why critical infrastructure deserves stronger protections.
• Why railroad workers shouldn’t have to guess whether the drone above their chlorine cars is a terrorism threat or a standard O-Test.

Tell them your truth.

The most powerful comments are often the simplest ones.

If you have witnessed unsafe drone operations, explain what you saw. If you have concerns about security, distractions, hazardous materials, or worker safety, share them. The FAA needs to hear directly from the people who work these yards every day.

Join the Campaign

If your State Safety and Legislative Board, Local Representative, Legislative Representative, or local organization would like to join this nationwide effort, please contact the SMART-TD National Safety and Legislative Department at dbanks@smart-union.org, and we will help put out a call to action in your local, state, or region.

There is still time to make your voice heard.

Together, we opened the door. Together, we can make sure the FAA hears from the people who know rail safety best.

Submit Your Comment to the FAA

Federal Register : Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility

Thank you again to every State Safety and Legislative Board, every Director, every Local Legislative Representative, and every member who has already taken action.

Let’s keep the momentum going and finish the job.