This week, Park Ridge police are joining law enforcement throughout Illinois to promote vehicle and pedestrian safety around railroad tracks and trains.
Last year, Illinois ranked 3rd in the nation in vehicle collision fatalities and 5th in the nation in trespasser fatalities.
There were 140 crossing collisions involving motor vehicles, which resulted in 79 injuries and 24 fatalities, in 2015. Additionally, there were 41 incidents involving individuals trespassing on railroad property that resulted in 18 injuries and 23 fatalities.
To promote rail safety awareness and education, the Park Ridge Police Department will be participating in Illinois Rail Safety Week, Sept. 11-17. Education and enforcement details are planned throughout the week at various railroad grade crossings and commuter stations within Park Ridge.
Working with Metra police, officers will cite drivers and pedestrians who disobey the laws associated with railroad grade crossings and railroad property. In addition, officers and members of the police department’s volunteer corps will be distributing literature to the public that contains information on how to be safe around trains and train tracks.
Police are reminding motorists that it is against the law to stop a vehicle on railroad tracks, as well as 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 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 50 percent of all collisions occur at crossings with active warning devices such as flashing lights, gates and ringing bells.
For more information about Illinois Rail Safety Week, visit www.illinoisrailsafetyweek.org.
The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police is coordinating the third, statewide Illinois Rail Safety Week.