Crime & Safety

Train Safety Awareness Week Starts Monday in Plainfield

Police will step up awareness efforts, enforcement at Plainfield crossings.

Submitted by the Plainfield Police Department:

Along with the CN Railroad, the Plainfield Police Department will conduct its annual Train Safety Week from April 29 to May 5 to promote vehicle and pedestrian safety around railroad tracks and trains. In Illinois during 2012, there were 108 crossing collisions involving motor vehicles, which resulted in 39 injuries and 26 fatalities. In addition, 19 injuries and 19 fatalities occurred when people trespassed on to railroad property.

To promote awareness and education, informational press releases will be issued throughout the week and enforcement details will be conducted at various railroad grade crossings within the Village of Plainfield to cite both drivers and pedestrians who disobey the laws associated with railroad grade crossings and railroad property. In addition, posters and educational materials will be distributed throughout the community at various events. 

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Please remember, not only is it against the law to stop your vehicle on the railroad tracks, it is against the law to stop your vehicle 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.

A motor vehicle’s failure to stop is the contributing factor in more than 70 percent of all crossing accidents, and more than 50 percent of all collisions occur at locations with flashing lights and ringing bells.

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When crossing railroad tracks, you must always obey the law and be aware of your surroundings.


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