The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) asked Bruce Rauner, governor of the State of Illinois, to declare September 23-29 as Illinois Rail Safety Week in order to promote vehicle and pedestrian safety around railroad tracks and trains. Governor Rauner issued a proclamation and the ILACP is coordinating the fifth, statewide Illinois Rail Safety Week in partnership with Metra, along with support from state, county, and local law enforcement agencies, railroads, schools, and various private sector agencies.
In Illinois during 2017, there were 86 collisions at public highway-rail crossings involving motor vehicles or pedestrians, which resulted in 24 injuries and 21 fatalities.
The Oswego Police Department will cite both drivers and pedestrians who disobey the laws associated with railroad crossings and railroad property.
Not only is it against the law to stop a vehicle on railroad tracks, it is against the law to stop a vehicle anywhere within the highway-rail grade crossing.
—Oswego Police Department