In mid June the Union Pacific Railroad Police teamed up with the Illinois State Police and other local law enforcement to educate the public on railroad crossing safety.
They set up a detail in Randolph and Williamson County.
The purpose was to let drivers and pedestrians know the safest way to cross the tracks when a train is approaching to avoid accidents.
“All of these situations are easily avoided and statistically what’s shocking about the whole thing is most of the crashes that are occurring are actually at crossings with gates and flashing lights.
Drivers are supposed to stop once the crossing lights begin to flash and not proceed until the lights are off again, even once the gate is raised.
Union Pacific Manager of Operating Practices Hosea Lyons says people need to understand the force that comes with trains.
“When you see people run around the gates and when you see them speeding and trying to beat you when they know there’s a train approaching it does make you nervous because you know if they run out in front of you can do everything in you power that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get the train stopped before striking someone.”
Illinois State Police Trooper Joey Watson says Illinois has about 7800 crossing on its 7200 miles of roadway.
Which makes trains and vehicles cross paths frequently and drivers need to be aware of the weight differential between them.
“You car at 3000ish pounds when its runs over a soda can, that’s the weight ratio were looking at, when a train strikes a car its basically the same weight ratio.”
Trains cannot stop as fast as a car can, which is an extra danger if an accident occurs.
“When you see these incidents happen typically after the strike occurs it’ll push the car for a half mile or a mile down the rail and that’s again what makes them so devastating.”
During the detail in Marion 5 tickets and 5 warning were issued out to drivers and pedestrians.
They held the same detail Tuesday in Randolph County and issued out 4 tickets and two warnings to motorist.
