During Illinois Rail Safety Week, September 22-28, the Naperville Police Department will join agencies from around the state in an education and enforcement campaign aimed at reminding the public how to be safe around trains and train tracks.
In Illinois during 2018, there were 86 collisions at public highway-rail crossings involving motor vehicles or pedestrians, which resulted in 26 injuries and 15 fatalities. In addition, there were 40 trespasser incidents that resulted in 18 injuries and 22 fatalities when people trespassed onto railroad property. During 2018, Illinois ranked 3rd in the nation in collision fatalities and 5th in the nation in trespasser fatalities.
To promote rail safety awareness and education, the Naperville Police Department will be participating in Illinois Rail Safety Week. Enforcement details are planned throughout the week at various railroad grade crossings and commuter stations within Naperville to 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.
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, and if not marked by white stop lines, the highway-rail grade crossing extends from protective gate arm to protective gate arm.
According to Illinois Operation Lifesaver, more than 85 percent of all collisions occur at crossings with active warning devices (flashing lights, gates, and ringing bells). For more information about Illinois Rail Safety Week, please visit www.illinoisrailsafetyweek.com.
