‘Everyday’ reality, ever-present danger: New law aims to familiarize kids on train risks

Along with instructions on car lines and no running in the halls, families across Illinois will receive a different kind of message in their student handbooks next fall — how to be safe around trains.

A law requiring student handbooks to include common-sense advice on rail crossing safety was enacted this summer.

“Trains are an everyday part of our lives in the Chicago metropolitan area,” said Joe Amore, a DuPage Railroad Safety Council member and retired Union Pacific conductor.

“And, a lot of people maintain the mistaken idea that because they’re familiar with trains, they can take risks. And they may not recognize all the contributing factors that can lead up to someone being severely injured or worse.”

With nearly 8,000 public railway grade crossings statewide, most located on local roads, it's crucial to educate kids about how a familiar scenario can turn deadly in seconds, advocates say.

The DRSC and Illinois Operation Lifesaver teamed up to advance the legislation in the General Assembly.

The organizations spent months lobbying lawmakers to pass the measure. It unanimously cleared the House in April 2025, passed the Senate with just one “no” vote in May, and was signed by Gov. JB Pritzker in July.

School districts can opt out if they deem the message as unnecessary but Amore hopes there will be widespread support.

“This is not a message that’s just for today,” Amore said. “If you have kids, down the road, they’re going to be out free-ranging on their bicycles,” and progressing to electric scooters, and then cars. “It’s something you have to constantly remember.”

The cause hits home for Amore, who as a conductor witnessed numerous fatal train collisions with pedestrians. He lives in Villa Park, which is situated along busy Union Pacific tracks.

“Villa Park has got three tracks, so there’s always the risk of a train on an adjacent track that you can’t see because the train you’re waiting for is obstructing your view.

“Sometimes kids play along the tracks,” Amore noted. But the message is also intended for adults, he noted.

“Sometimes people lose their focus. They have tunnel vision (and) were delayed getting to the station for one reason or another, and they want to get to that train because they don’t want to be late for work.”

According to the Illinois Commerce Commission, there were 134 highway-rail crossing collisions in 2025. Of those, there were 34 fatalities and 51 injuries.

Here’s a look at some of the safety guidelines:

• Cross tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Public crossings are equipped with crossbuck signs, and flashing red lights and gates that are activated when a train is coming. Ignoring the warnings can result in a fine.

• Never walk down a train track. It is illegal, dangerous and by the time the locomotive engineer sees someone, it’s too late to stop.

• Do not cross the tracks immediately after a train passes since others may be approaching. Wait until you can see clearly in both directions.

• Never walk around or stop between lowered gates at a crossing. Do not cross the tracks until the red lights stop flashing and it is safe to do so.

The new guidelines will be displayed in handbooks for students in kindergarten through Grade 12 starting in the 2027 school year.

mpyke@dailyherald.com