State of Illinois Proclaims September 13-19 Illinois Rail Safety Week

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Published on September 18 2015 10:10 am
Last Updated on September 18 2015 10:10 am
Written by Greg Sapp

The State of Illinois has declared September 13-19 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 second in the nation in vehicle collision fatalities and third in the nation in trespasser fatalities.

To promote rail safety awareness and education, the Effingham County Sheriff's Department, Illinois State Police and the Effingham City Police Department are participating in Illinois Rail Safety Week.

Law enforcement officials remind that not only is 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 advaance 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 67% of all collisions occur at crossings with active warning devices (flashing lights, gates and ringing bells). 

For more information about Illinois Rail Safety Week, visit www.illinoisrailsafetyweek.org .