MACOMB, Ill. (NEWS3) — Illinois Rail Safety Week is this week, Sept. 22 -28, and the Macomb Police Department is doing their part to keep the community safe.
The department has been actively promoting railroad safety on social media. In a Facebook post, they said about 35,000 rail cars pass through Illinois daily, which is the most of any state in the U.S. Therefore, the department’s message focuses on precautionary measures drivers, bystanders and farmers can take near railroads.
The MPD reminded pedestrians that playing on tracks is not only dangerous, but also illegal. Drivers should obey signals and directions of authorities and always be prepared to stop at designated crossings.
If you are operating farm equipment, the department said to stop at least 15 feet from tracks, while opening cab windows to better hear the approaching train. Make sure to have a clear view and be properly aligned with the farm crossing for easy, safe passage. Additionally, make sure towed equipment does not become unhitched while crossing tracks.
The MPD warned bicyclists to take extra caution. They said bicyclists should get off their bikes and walk across tracks, because of the possibly of the narrow wheels getting caught between the rails.
The posts made it clear that crossing at any other locations than the public crossings is illegal. You can find additional information on rail safety on the department’s Facebook page.
