Railroad safety is a serious concern here in Downers Grove because we have triple railroad tracks with more than 180 trains passing through the middle of our community each day.

The railroad is a benefit to our community in that it provides public transportation for commuters from Downers Grove and surrounding towns. In addition, the railroad moves a wide variety of cargo efficiently and effectively. However, the railroad tracks can be dangerous when motorists and pedestrians do not obey the signals alerting them that a train is approaching.

‘Look, Listen and Live’

The Downers Grove Police Department and Operation Lifesaver have joined forces to remind our citizens to stay safe around highway-rail grade crossings. Operation Lifesaver is a national, nonprofit public education program dedicated to ending collisions, deaths and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and along railroad right-of-ways.

The following national statistics demonstrate the need to be vigilant whenever you are near a railroad track.

— In the United States, about every two hours a train strikes either a vehicle or a pedestrian.
— A motorist is 20 times more likely to die in a crash involving a train than in a crash involving another vehicle.
— Nearly 50 percent of the vehicle/train crashes occur at crossings that have active warning devices such as gates, lights and bells.
— Three out of four crashes occur within 25 miles from home.

Crossing the tracks

In 2008, the state of Illinois ranked No. 1 for having the most highway-rail grade crossing fatalities. The Illinois law is very strict with respect to crossing the railroad track.

No motorist or pedestrian can disobey any railroad signal at any crossing location. This includes when the motorist or pedestrian believes the signals may be malfunctioning. Signals that are malfunctioning are programmed to go to the most prohibitive position and remain that way until they are repaired.

In Downers Grove that means the gates will go to the down position, and all bells and lights will activate. They will stay that was until railroad employees repair the signal. Malfunctioning signals should be reported to police immediately so the railroad can be contacted to make the necessary repairs.

No motorist is permitted to begin crossing the tracks in a vehicle unless there is adequate room on the other side of the track for their entire vehicle without obstructing the track.

No vehicle can ever be stopped on the track — whether the signals are activated or not.

The fine for each of these three violations is $250 for a first conviction and $500 for any subsequent convictions.

Railroad trespassing

The leading cause of rail-related deaths in the United States involve incidents of railroad trespassing.

A person who is on railroad property without lawful authority or the railroad’s consent is considered to be a trespasser. This includes crossing a railroad track at a location other than a designated highway-rail grade crossing with appropriate signaling devices in place that can alert the person of an approaching train.

The state law prohibits trespassing on railroad tracks. Persons caught trespassing will be charged with a Class C misdemeanor for a first offense that can result in a fine up to $500 or imprisonment. Subsequent convictions constitute a Class A misdemeanor up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment.

Safety tips to remember

The Downers Grove Police Department emphasizes these safety tips. These tips are especially important in Downers Grove.

— Freight trains do not travel on predictable schedules, and even schedules for passenger trains change. Always expect a train at every highway-rail intersection. In Downers Grove we have triple tracks — so expect three trains.
— Do not get trapped on the track. Never drive onto a railroad track unless you can clear the track on the other side without stopping.
— If the gates are down — the road is closed. Stop and do not cross unless the gates go up and the red lights stop flashing.
— If your vehicle stalls on the track get everyone out and far away from the track. Then call 911 and report the situation immediately. You cannot accurately judge the speed and distance of an approaching train. An optical illusion will make the train appear to be farther away and moving more slowly than it is — you will always think you have more time than you really do. Don’t take chances with your life.

The Downers Grove Police Department currently has three certified Operation Lifesaver trainers who present the Operation Lifesaver program to children in elementary schools throughout Downers Grove. In addition, informational materials are available for groups at Safety Town classes, police department tours and safety fairs.

If you are interested in scheduling a free Operation Lifesaver program for your community group, please call Marion Heintz, public education manager for the Downers Grove Police Department at (630) 434-5606 for details.