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  • Union Pacific Railroad engineers were passing through railroad crossings in Mt. Vernon Wednesday while UP Railroad Police in conjunction with Mt. Vernon Police Department officers detailed traffic violations. ALLEN PARKER/REGISTER-NEWS

    Railroad
October 27, 2011

Police target railroad crossings for safety

By ALLEN PARKER allen.parker@register-news.com

Union Pacific Railroad Police and Mt. Vernon Police Department officers worked in conjunction Wednesday at several railroad crossings in an effort to curb motorists attempts to cross tracks while in the path of an approaching engine.

“If you see a train or hear a train, you cannot pass through the crossing. That is a basic way of explaining the law,” said MVPD officer Ray Gilbert.

The initiative, in its fifth year, is not aimed at collecting funds. Railroad and local authorities hope to raise awareness on the dangers of trying to “beat” a train approaching a crossing.

Illinois ranked third nationally in 2010 with 31 pedestrian fatalities and was second with 125 highway-rail grade crossing collisions. Illinois’ 27 highway-rail grade crossing fatalities were also second nationwide.

There were 2,004 collisions nationwide in 2010, including 260 fatalities and 810 injuries.

“10-years ago Jefferson, Franklin and Williamson counties were a hot spot for violations,” said Union Pacific Railroad police officer John Schumacher.  “There would be 8-10 collisions a year. It’s declined to the point where we haven’t had one in two years in those counties. We don’t want to let up and pat ourselves on the back. We have to keep doing these things to keep fatalities down. The word seems to spread quickly and reminds people to stay aware.”

Mt. Vernon was named a Golden Spike Award recipient earlier this year.

“It takes work,” said Schumacher. “ We work with communities but we also want to see results and commitment. Mt. Vernon has been committed to these efforts by getting officers out here to help get the message across.”



Track facts and tips

- Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and equipment are private property. Walking or playing on them is not only dangerous, it’s illegal. Trespassers can be arrested and fined — the ultimate penalty is death.

- The only legal, safe place to cross tracks is at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.

- Do not walk, run, cycle or operate all-terrain vehicles on railroad tracks, rights-of-way or through tunnels.

- Do not walk, jog, hunt, fish or bungee jump on railroad trestles. They are not designed to be sidewalks or pedestrian bridges; there is only enough clearance on the tracks for a train to pass.

- Do not attempt to jump aboard railroad equipment at any time. A slip of the foot can cost you a limb or your life.

- Remember - rails and recreation do not mix.

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