Above / During Illinois Rail Safety Week learn the phrase “See Tracks. Think Train.” Teach the saying to all the young people in your life and remember it every day when you come to railroad crossings.
The Naperville Police Department reminds residents that the State of Illinois has declared the week of September 13 to 19, 2015, as Illinois Rail Safety Week in order to promote vehicle and pedestrian safety around railroad tracks and trains.
Enforcement events are planned throughout the week at various railroad grade crossings and commuter stations within Naperville to cite drivers and pedestrians who disobey the laws associated with railroad grade crossings and railroad property. Police officers will also be distributing literature to the public containing information on how to be safe around trains and train tracks.
In 2014, there were 134 railroad crossing collisions involving motor vehicles resulting in 55 injuries and 24 fatalities throughout the state.
‘See Tracks. Think Train.’
In addition, 19 injuries and 29 fatalities occurred when people trespassed on railroad property. During 2014, Illinois ranked second in the nation in railroad vehicle collision fatalities and third in the nation in rail yard trespasser fatalities.
Please remember, not only is it against the law to stop your vehicle on railroad tracks, it is also 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.
If a railroad crossing is not marked by white stop lines, the crossing extends from one protective gate arm to the other.
According to Illinois Operation Lifesaver, more than 67 percent of all collisions occur at crossings with active warning devices, which include flashing lights, gates and ringing bells.
For more information about Illinois Rail Safety Week, please visit www.illinoisrailsafetyweek.org.
Release by Sgt. Derek Zook for the Naperville Police Department / PN Photos
Public Safety Open House is Oct. 3
Looking ahead, in Naperville, October is Public Safety Month, a time when the community devotes programs and educational events toward encouraging individuals, families and communities to review their plans and become better prepared for any emergency.
The month of special events also offers opportunities to meet the city’s dedicated first responders up close and personally.
The Naperville Police Department and Naperville Fire Department also host an annual open house at the Public Safety Campus along Aurora Avenue at River Road. The 2015 event is scheduled 11AM-3PM, Sat., Oct. 3.
About the 2015 Open House by PN Columnist Soraya McLaughlin for the Naperville Fire Dept.
About the 2015 Open House by PN Columnist Julie Smith for the Naperville Police Dept.
