Arlington Heights Police Officers will be at the Downtown Train Station on Tuesday morning, September 15 and at the Arlington Park station of Friday, September 18 to promote safety for both motorists and pedestrians around the railroad crossings during Illinois Rail Safety Week, September 13-19.
Did you know that in 2013, Illinois ranked third in the nation for grade crossing fatalities and third for trespass fatalities? It is no secret the rail industry plays a vital part of the Illinois economy, but saving lives on the tracks is the duty of everyone.
The role of Police Officers at the train station is to remind people to follow the law and be aware of their surroundings at train stations and railroad crossings. The goal of this educational campaign is to keep a tragedy from occurring on the railroad tracks. To remain safe please follow the ten tips offered by Operation Lifesaver when crossing railroad tracks:
Walking or playing on railroad tracks is dangerous and illegal
Be prepared to stop at crossings
Cross the tracks at designated railroad crossings only
Look for crossbuck sign, lights or gates at crossings
Listen for warning bells or whistles
Obey the signals
If only one train passes, make sure a second train is not approaching on another track in the same or opposite direction
Obey the directions of a police officer or member of a train crew directing traffic at a crossing
Cross the tracks in low gear; do not change gears while crossing
If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, get out quickly and away from the vehicle and tracks; call the emergency number posted at or near the crossing and call 9-1-1
For more information about Illinois Rail Safety Week, please visit www.illinoisrailsafetyweek.org.
rail safety, Metra, Arlington Heights Police Department
