For a 5th straight year, the Illinois State Police Department District 13 Commander will be partnering with the local, state and federal agencies, in order to promote vehicle and pedestrian safety around railroad tracks and trains, during Rail Safety Week, which will text place next week from September 23rd through the 29th. In order to promote rail safety awareness and prevent injuries or fatalities, Captain Derek Wise is planning on enforcement details throughout the week at various railroad grade crossings. Drivers and pedestrians who disobey the laws, associated with railroad grade crossings and railroad property, will by cited without any warning. In addition to the enforcement efforts, the Illinois State Police Department will also be committed to changing behavior through education. Literature will be distributed throughout the state to the public, that contains rail safety information. Captain Wise stated, “Trains do not run on set schedules and can appear at any time on an active track. Motorists should stay aware when approaching a crossing, reduce their speed, watch for flashing lights and lowered arms, and never under any circumstance be stopped on the tracks.” Motorists must always obey the law and be aware of their surroundings when crossing a railroad track. It is against the law to stop your vehicle on an active railroad track or anywhere within the highway-rail grade crossing. Pedestrians also cannot be crossing around a protective gate or disobey warning lights or bells. Over 2,100 railroad crossing collisions were made with vehicles nationwide in 2017, and over 100 in Illinois, with over 800 injuries and over 270 fatalities. Illinois saw 29 injuries and 25 fatalities.