Niles, IL – The Niles Police Department in partnership with the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, Illinois Operation Lifesaver, and Illinois Truck Enforcement Association, has declared September 13th to September 19th Illinois Rail Safety Week in order to promote vehicle and pedestrian safety around railroad tracks and trains.
In Illinois during 2014,
• 134 crashes occurred on public highway-rail grade crossings.
• 55 personal injuries and 24 fatalities.
• 48 trespassing incidents occurred in the State of Illinois.
o 29 pedestrian injuries and,
o 19 others whiles trespassing on railroad property right of ways.
• Illinois ranks second in the nation in grade-crossing fatalities and third in trespass fatalities.
• 67% of crashes occurred on public-grade crossings with active warning devices (flashing lights, gates, and ringing bells).
To promote rail safety awareness and education, state, county, municipal, and railroad law enforcement agencies throughout the state will be participating in Illinois Rail Safety Week. Enforcement details are planned throughout the week at various railroad grade crossings and commuter stations within the State of Illinois to cite both drivers and pedestrians who disobey the laws associated with railroad grade crossings and railroad property.
Please remember, not only is it against the law to stop your vehicle on the railroad tracks, it is against the law to stop your vehicle anywhere within the highway-rail grade crossing. Highway-rail grade crossings are typically marked by white stop lines located on the pavement in advance of the crossing, and if not marked by white stop lines, the highway-rail grade crossing extends from protective gate arm to protective gate arm.
When crossing railroad tracks, you must always obey the law and be aware of your surroundings. Throughout the week we will be publishing information via our Facebook and Twitter Accounts. For additional Information and tips you can look to our Rail Safety Page. The link is listed below