By Jo Marquez

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Marking the 12th anniversary of its annual initiative, Illinois declared September 15-21 as Rail Safety Week, with a series of events and campaigns designed to promote awareness among the state’s residents. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker kicked off the week with a proclamation that emphasizes education on the dangers at railway crossings. According to a statement obtained by Illinois.gov, the Governor said, “Rail Safety Week is a reminder of the dangers associated with highway-rail crossings, and the importance of always looking and listening near train tracks.”

Illinois, boasting an extensive railway system with over 7,000 miles of tracks and 10,000 public highway-rail crossings, is at a heightened risk for rail-related incidents. ICC Rail Safety Specialist and Illinois Operation Lifesaver Coordinator Aisha Jackson, whose image was broadcast statewide, shed light on the stark statistics: “Every three hours, someone in the US is hit by a train.” The initiative emphasizes that trains have the indisputable right of way, urging the public to heed signals and warnings at all times.

In 2024, Illinois wrestled with 104 collisions at highway-rail crossings, which tragically resulted in 20 fatalities and 52 injuries, underscoring the critical importance of rail safety education. We find that these collisions are not strangers to areas with active warnings, as “around four in every five collisions occur where active warning devices like gates, bells, or flashing signs are already installed,” according to ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan, whose expertise in rail safety is well-noted. The ICC showcases its commitment to the cause by allocating resources from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund for the betterment of local communities’ safety measures.

Local enforcement and first responder communities, backed by railroad companies, lend their support to the cause, indicating the collective drive towards improving rail safety. Governor Pritzker and other advocates are pushing for residents to participate in the week’s events, such as the CN Rail Safety Week Kickoff in Homewood or the Metra Station Blitz in Elmwood Park, details of which can be found on the official announcement. For those aiming to host an Operation Lifesaver presentation, the ICC points to Rail Safety Specialist Aisha Jackson as the key contact.