The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police has asked that the Governor of the State of Illinois declare Sunday, September 11, through Saturday, September 17, 2016, as Illinois Rail Safety Week, in order to promote vehicle and pedestrian safety around railroad tracks and trains.
On Tuesday, May 24, Governor Bruce Rauner issued a Proclamation. The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police is coordinating the third, Statewide Illinois Rail Safety Week.
In Illinois during 2015, there were 140 crossing collisions involving motor vehicles, which resulted in 79 injuries and 24 fatalities. In addition, there were 41 trespasser incidents, that resulted in 18 injuries and 23 fatalities, when people trespassed onto railroad property. During 2015, Illinois ranked 3rd in the Nation in vehicle collision fatalities and 5th in trespasser fatalities.
For the third time, a statewide initiative is being conducted to support rail safety. Morrison Police Department is joining other state, county, municipal and railroad law enforcement agencies throughout Illinois in this initiative. During Rail Safety Week, the Police Department will patrol railroad property and crossings throughout Morrison, in an effort to increase awareness through enforcement efforts.
Here are some laws pertaining to rail safety.
- Pedestrians must obey railroad bells, signals, gates, lights, etc. at railroad crossings.
- Other than at designated crossings, it is unlawful to trespass onto railroad property.
- Vehicles must obey signals indicating approach of a train.
- Certain vehicles must stop before crossings (i.e., buses, HazMat vehicles, etc.)
- Vehicles shall not stop, stand, or park on railroad tracks or anywhere within the grade crossing.
- Malicious removal of, or damage to, railroad property is unlawful.
Even when signals, gates, and lights are not activated, pedestrians and vehicles should approach railroad crossings with due care, checking both ways for trains. Pedestrians should never cross railroad tracks where there is not a grade crossing. Finally, always expect a second train!
Morrison Police Department urges the community to be mindful of rail safety during Rail Safety Week and every week!