Rail Safety Week underway

PEORIA – For the fifth consecutive year, Illinois State Police (ISP) District 08 Commander Gregg Cavanaugh announces District 08 is partnering with local, state and federal agencies to promote vehicle and pedestrian safety around railroad tracks and trains during Rail Safety Week, which is taking place September 23-29, 2018.

To promote rail safety awareness and education and prevent injuries and fatalities, ISP District 08 Commander Cavanaugh has planned enforcement details throughout the week at various railroad grade crossings. Drivers and pedestrians who disobey the laws associated with railroad grade crossings and railroad property will be cited. In addition to enforcement efforts, the ISP is also committed to changing behavior through education.

Officers will be distributing literature to the public that contains rail safety information.

“Law enforcement around the state will be out in force this week ensuring the safety of motorist and railroad personnel. Troopers will be monitoring railroad crossings all around District 08. They will be focusing on violations related to railroad crossings and also looking for distracted drivers”, said Captain Cavanaugh.

When crossing railroad tracks, motorists must always obey the law and be aware of your surroundings. Please remember, it against the law to stop your vehicle on the railroad tracks and 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, and if not marked by white stop lines, the highway-rail grade crossing extends from protective gate arm to protective gate arm.

Please also remember it is against the law for pedestrians to go around a protective gate or disobey warning lights or bells.