METAMORA — For the sixth consecutive year, Illinois State Police (ISP) District 8 Commander Chad Peterson announces District 8 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 the 22nd through the 28th.
To promote rail safety awareness and education and prevent injuries and fatalities, ISP District 8 Commander Chad Peterson 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.
“The mission of Illinois Rail Safety Week is to save lives and prevent tragedies,” stated Commander Peterson, “District 8 troopers will be out conducting enforcement efforts and promoting education in an effort to raise public awareness which will lead to the prevention of collisions, deaths, and injuries at places where roadways cross railroad tracks, on railroad rights
of way, and on railroad property.”
When crossing railroad tracks, motorists must always obey the law and be aware of their 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.
10 am until 2 pm
