Illinois Rail Safety Week is Sept. 24-30

The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police has asked Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner to declare September 24-30 as Illinois Rail Safety Week in order to promote vehicle and pedestrian safety around railroad tracks and trains.

The week will be observed by the Association in partnership with the Union Pacific and CN Railroads, along with support from state, county and local law enforcement agencies, other railroads, schools and various private sector agencies. In addition, Operation Lifesaver has declared the same week as National Rail Safety Week.

In Illinois during 2016, there were 101 crossing collisions involving motor vehicles, which resulted in 43 injuries and 24 fatalities. In addition, there were 41 trespasser incidents that resulted in 19 injuries and 22 fatalities when people trespassed onto railroad property. During 2016, Illinois ranked second in the nation in vehicle collision fatalities and seventh in the nation in trespasser fatalities.

To promote rail safety awareness and education, the Effingham County Sheriff's Office will be participating in Illinois Rail Safety Week.

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, and if not marked by white stop lines, the highway-rail grade crossing extends from protective gate arm to protective gate arm.

According to Operation Lifesaver, more than 86% 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 or contact the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.