The State of Illinois, in cooperation with Illinois Operation Lifesaver, Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, Illinois Truck Enforcement Association, Illinois Sheriff’s Association, local law enforcement and railroad companies, Illinois Commerce Commission, Illinois Department of Transportation, and Illinois Railroad Association has declared this week as Illinois Rail Safety Week in order to promote vehicle and pedestrian safety around railroad tracks and trains.

In Illinois during 2014, there were 134 crossing collisions involving motor vehicles, which resulted in 55 injuries and 24 fatalities. In addition, there were 48 trespasser incidents that resulted in 19 injuries and 29 fatalities when people trespassed on to railroad property. During 2014, Illinois ranked 2nd in the nation in grade crossing fatalities and 3rd in trespasser fatalities.

To promote rail safety awareness and education, the Illinois State Police in District 12, in Effingham, will be participating in Illinois Rail Safety Week. Enforcement details are planned throughout the week at various railroad grade crossings and commuter stations within District 12. Illinois State Police will cite both drivers and pedestrians who disobey the laws associated with railroad grade crossings and railroad property. In addition, police officers will be distributing literature to the public that contains information on how to be safe around trains and train tracks.

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. Another violation associated with railroads are trespass to railroad property – it is both dangerous and illegal to walk on railroad tracks.

Police will be looking for motorists who disobey signaling, indicating approach of a train or railroad equipment – never attempt to cross in front of an oncoming train. According to Illinois Operation Lifesaver, 67 percent of all collisions occur at crossings with active warning devices (flashing lights, gates, and ringing bells). When crossing railroad tracks, you must always obey the law and be aware of your surroundings. For more information about Illinois Rail Safety Week, please visit illinoisrailsafetyweek.org.