State of Illinois Proclaims September 22nd-28th,2019 Illinois Rail Safety Week 

September 10, 2019

Springfield, IL – At the request of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP), On September 10th 2019, Governor JB Pritzker issued a Proclamation declaring September 22nd to September 28th, 2019 as Illinois Rail Safety Week in an effort to promote vehicle and pedestrian safety around railroad tracks and trains. This is the fifth statewide rail safety initiative coordinated by the ILACP. 

In Illinois, during 2018, there were 86 crossing collisions involving motor vehicles, which resulted in 26 injuries and 15 fatalities.  In addition, there were 40 incidents that resulted in 18 injuries and 22 fatalities after victims trespassed onto railroad property.  During 2018, Illinois ranked third in the nation in vehicle collision fatalities and fifth in the nation in trespasser fatalities. 

The ILACP, partnered with Metra Railroad, CN Railroad and Illinois Operation Lifesaver, supported by Illinois Sheriff’s Association, Illinois Commerce Commission, Illinois Tollway Authority, Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois Truck Enforcement Association, Illinois State Police, Illinois High school and College Drivers Education Association, DuPage Railroad Safety Council, all local and railroad law enforcement, first responders and area railroad companies commit to partnering together in an effort to educate Illinois residents on all aspects of railroad safety, to enforce applicable state laws and to support Illinois Rail Safety Week. Educational, as well as, enforcement details are planned during the week at various railroad grade crossings and commuter stations throughout the State of Illinois. If appropriate, officers will cite drivers and pedestrians who disobey laws associated with railroad grade crossings and railroad property.  In addition, police officers will be conducting educational campaigns by distributing literature to the public which contains information on how to be safe around trains and train tracks. 

Let’s work together to improve rail safety and to eliminate preventable injuries and deaths. Voluntary compliance is the goal. Education and enforcement are the tools to help accomplish that goal.  Help keep Illinois safely moving on our railways. 

For more information about Illinois Rail Safety Week, please visit www.illinoisrailsafetyweek.org.