Buffalo Grove Police To Participate In Illinois Rail Safety Week

The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) is coordinating the fourth statewide Illinois Rail Safety Week, which runs September 24-30, 2017. Partnerships between Union Pacific and CN Railroads, along with state, county, and local law enforcement agencies, have a goal to educate citizens about safe travels around railway crossings and trains, according to a news release. The ILACP is also pleased to announce that Operation Lifesaver has declared the same week as National Rail Safety Week.

According to Operation LifeSaver, a person is 40 times more likely to be killed in a train crash than a crash with another vehicle, and 95-percent of railway related deaths involve a driver trying to beat a train, or people trespassing on railroad tracks.

To combat these numbers, the Buffalo Grove Police Department urges drivers to abide by all railway laws. This includes not crossing railroad tracks at any time when flashing red lights are activated, or when the gate is in motion - either going up or down.

Oftentimes, the gate may begin to rise and drivers may believe there is no further danger; however, the gates may immediately lower due to another train approaching from the opposite direction.

Railroad property is considered private property, and entering onto railroad tracks is illegal trespassing and extremely dangerous. Trains are up to three feet wider than railroad tracks and may have loose straps or equipment hanging from the sides, making the zones around them unsafe, according to a news release. Pedestrians should not ever cross railroad tracks except at a designated public crossing when it is safe to do so.

Buffalo Grove police officers will be out in the community during Rail Safety Week providing education to drivers and pedestrians, as well as taking enforcement measures.