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Keeping the grade crossing portion of this transportation network operating safely
and efficiently involves local, state and federal governments as well as the private
sector. These safety efforts can be summarized as the Three E’s - Education,
Engineering and Enforcement.
Education: The ICC is actively involved in developing programs to educate
the public about the danger at grade crossings. One example of this public
education program is the ICC’s participation in Operation Lifesaver. The
Operation Lifesaver program is a public-private partnership designed to
increase public awareness of highway-rail grade crossing hazards. It also
strives to improve driver and pedestrian behavior at railroad crossings by
encouraging compliance with traffic laws relating to crossing signs and
signals.
Enforcement: Enforcement of existing traffic and trespass laws is key,
especially the issuance of fines (up to $500) or community service to persons
crossing railroad tracks after the warning signals have activated.
Engineering: Grade crossing safety improvements are also critical to
reducing collisions. The ICC orders physical and system improvements,
including the installation and upgrading of grade crossing warning signs and
signals and, where warranted, grade separations. While education and
enforcement are absolutely essential, the focus of this report is the
engineering of capital improvements to further railroad crossing safety on
local roads.
2008 IN REVIEW - Collision and Fatality Rates
In 2008, preliminary statistics indicate there were 129 collisions at public
crossings in Illinois, a 1 percent (1%) decrease compared to 2007 figures. National
preliminary figures for 2008 indicate 2,041 collisions occurred, compared to 2,319 in
2007, which is a 11 percent (11%) decrease. As can be seen from the following charts,
the trend both nationally and in Illinois is a steady decrease in collisions, except
between 2003 and 2004, when there was a marked increase in collisions year over
year.
