Crystal Lake Police Enforcing Regulations During Rail Safety Week

The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police has asked Gov. Bruce Rauner to declare next week, Sunday through Sept. 29, as Illinois Rail Safety Week to promote vehicle and pedestrian safety around railroad tracks and trains. Rauner issued a proclamation, and the ILACP is coordinating the fifth statewide Illinois Rail Safety Week in partnership with Metra, along with support from state, county and local law enforcement agencies, railroads, schools and various private sector agencies. In addition, nonprofit Operation Lifesaver has declared the same week national Rail Safety Week, and the ILACP is proud to be part of the national effort. In 2017, there were 86 collisions at public highway-rail crossings in Illinois involving motor vehicles or pedestrians, which resulted in 24 injuries and 21 fatalities. In addition, there were 41 trespasser incidents that resulted in 26 injuries and 15 fatalities when people trespassed onto railroad property. Last year, Illinois also ranked second in the nation in collision fatalities and eighth in the nation in trespasser fatalities. To promote rail safety awareness and education, the Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake 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. Not only is it against the law to stop a vehicle on railroad tracks, but it also is against the law to stop a vehicle anywhere within the highway-rail grade crossing. Highway-rail grade crossings typically are marked by white stop lines 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 84 percent of all collisions occur at crossings with active warning devices, including flashing lights, gates and ringing bells. For information about Illinois Rail Safety Week, visit www.illinoisrailsafetyweek.org or call the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.