Police to Crack Down on Railroad-crossing Violations in May

The following is a release from the Hinsdale Police Department:

On Tuesday, May 8, the will be participating in a regional effort to reduce violations and collisions at all railroad crossings.  Several local law enforcement agencies will be strictly enforcing pedestrian and vehicle safety laws at their respective grade crossings along the Burlington Northern Santa-Fe railroad line.  The May 8 grade-crossing enforcement in the is being funded by a grant from the Illinois Commerce Commission and the Federal Railroad Administration.   

Once again, the “Police on Board for Rail Safety” campaign will also hold an educational component on May 1, during which officers from Hinsdale and the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Police will be distributing train safety information at the Hinsdale Train Station.   

Each year in Illinois, approximately 80 people die on and around railroad tracks and property. Nationwide, 50 percent of vehicle/train collisions occur at crossings equipped with active warning devices. In the Village of Hinsdale, there are currently eight designated vehicle and pedestrian crossings and the Hinsdale Police would like to remind everyone to proceed across our local grade crossings in a safe and lawful manner.   

Please obey all railroad crossing signals and set the example for other commuters and motorists.  Remember, trains always win—don’t violate warning signals!    

LOOK, LISTEN, LIVE!