North Aurora participates in Illinois Rail Safety Week

The state of Illinois has declared Sept. 13-19 as Illinois Rail Safety Week in order to promote vehicle and pedestrian safety around railroad tracks and trains.

In Illinois during 2014, there were 134 crossing collisions involving motor vehicles, which resulted in 55 injuries and 24 fatalities. In addition, there were 48 trespasser incidents that resulted in 19 injuries and 29 fatalities when people trespassed on to railroad property. During 2014, Illinois ranked 2nd in the nation in vehicle collision fatalities and 3rd in the nation in trespasser fatalities.

To promote rail safety awareness and education, the North Aurora Police Department will be participating in Illinois Rail Safety Week. Officers will be watching and will cite both drivers and pedestrians who disobey the laws associated with railroad grade crossings and railroad property.

According to Operation Lifesaver, there are several factors that contribute to train versus motorist/pedestrian collision:

• A motorist/pedestrian will see a train coming, but grossly misjudge the actual speed and distance of the train.

• A motorist will try and beat a train to the crossing and either get struck by the train or run into the side of the train.

• The motorist fails to observe and obey the advance railroad warning sign and other crossing warning signs and signals.

• A motorist is intoxicated and cannot properly operate a motor vehicle.

• A motorist/pedestrian becomes distracted by things such as cellular telephones, loud music, passengers, GPS systems, texting devices, etc. and becomes oblivious to his/her surroundings.

Tips for staying safe around tracks and trains:

• Look both ways - Trains can run on any track, at any time, in either direction. After a train passes, look both ways before proceeding.

• Don't get stuck on the track - Before you cross, make sure there is room on the other side to completely clear the tracks. Trains overhang the tracks by at least 3 feet on each size. For safety, leave at least 15 feet between the rear of your vehicle and the nearest rail. Do not shift gears while crossing.

• Get out, get away - If your vehicle stalls at a crossing, get everyone out and far away immediately, even if you do not see a train.

• If you see a train coming, wait - Don't be tempted to try and beat a train. An approaching train may be closer and traveling faster than it appears.

• Trains cannot stop quickly - The average freight train traveling 55 miles per hour takes a mile or more to stop. If the locomotive engineer can see you, it's too late to stop the train.

• Watch for vehicles that must stop at railroad crossings - Illinois law requires that school busses and trucks carrying hazardous materials to stop at every rail crossing.

• If you see a problem at a crossing - Report any problem - stalled vehicle on the tracks, damaged sign, obstructed view, signal malfunction - to the railroad immediately. Call the emergency notification number posted on or near the crossing, or notify law enforcement.

If you would like more information about Illinois Rail Safety Week, visit www.illinoisrailsafetyweek.org.