Western Springs Police Participate In Rail Safety Week

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — Illinois Rail Safety Week has been declared as Sept. 23 to Sept. 29. The Western Springs Police Department will participate in the week and said it is taking a proactive approach to promote vehicle and pedestrian safety around railroad tracks and trains through both education and enforcement.

The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police coordinating the fifth statewide Illinois Rail Safety Week in partnership with Metra, along with support from state, county, and local law enforcement agencies, railroads, schools, and various private sector agencies. In addition, Operation Lifesaver has declared the same week as national Rail Safety Week.

According to the department, in Illinois during 2017, there were 86 collisions at public highway-rail crossings involving motor vehicles or pedestrians, which resulted in 24 injuries and 21 fatalities. In addition, there were 41 trespasser incidents that resulted in 26 injuries and 15 fatalities when people trespassed onto railroad property. During 2017, Illinois ranked 2nd in the nation in collision fatalities and 8th in the nation in trespasser fatalities.

The department said enforcement details are planned throughout the week at various railroad grade crossings and commuter stations within Western Springs to cite both drivers and pedestrians who disobey the laws associated with railroad grade crossings and railroad property. In addition, police officers will be distributing literature to the public that contains information on how to be safe around trains and train tracks.

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