Illinois Rail Safety Week Sept., 14 through 20
10 Tips to Save Your Life

[September 13, 2014]  SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Rail Safety Week, will run from September 14 – 20, 2014, the Illinois State Police District 9 wants to promote safety for both motorists and pedestrians around railroad tracks.

Please be proactive and keep a tragedy from occurring either on or around railroad tracks. To remain safe please follow the ten tips, offered by Operation Lifesaver, when crossing railroad tracks;

• Walking or playing on train tracks is dangerous and illegal.
   
• Be prepared to stop at crossings.
  Cross train tracks at designated highway/railroad crossings.
   
• Look for the crossbuck sign, lights or gates at crossings.
   
• Listen for warning bells and whistles.
   
• Obey the signals.

• If 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 911.

When crossing railroad tracks, you must always follow the law and be aware of your surroundings! For more information about Illinois Rail Safety Week, please visit www.illinoisrailsafetyweek.org.

Illinois State Police District 9 Commander Captain Scott Compton wants motorist and pedestrians to remember to look and listen prior to crossing train tracks.

[Text received; ILLINOIS STATE POLICE, TROOPER E. EDWARDS]