SR0044 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0044 LRB097 09952 RPM 50118 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Many people throughout the State put themselves and others at risk by trespassing along the right-of-way of railroads or ignoring railroad crossing warning devices at public crossings; and

WHEREAS, Parents and children alike may be unfamiliar with proper behavior near railroad tracks; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we encourage K through 12 schools in this State to include the following language in their student handbooks:

"As a parent, you teach your children to strive for excellence, pursue their interests, and to be safe and responsible citizens. Operation Lifesaver is an international, nonprofit education and awareness program dedicated to ending tragic collisions, fatalities, and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and on railroad rights of way. Operation Lifesaver strives to increase public awareness about the dangers around the rails. The program seeks to educate both pedestrians and drivers, young and old, to make safe decisions at crossings and around railroad tracks.

Your children will take critical information they learn from you into their future. Operation Lifesaver wants to help you make sure their future is a safe one.

Here are some tips about walking across railroad tracks and trespassing:

(1) Cross tracks ONLY at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.

(2) Never walk down a train track; it's illegal and it's dangerous. By the time a locomotive engineer can see a trespasser or a vehicle on the tracks, it is too late. The train cannot stop quickly enough to avoid a collision.

(3) The only safe place to cross is at a designated public crossing with a cross buck, flashing red lights, or a gate. If you cross at any other place, you are trespassing and can be ticketed or fined.

(4) Do not cross the tracks immediately after a train passes. A second train might be blocked by the first. Trains can come from either direction. Wait until you can see clearly around the first train in both directions.

(5) Flashing red lights signal that a train is approaching from either direction. You can be fined for failure to obey these signals. Never walk around or behind lowered gates at a crossing. Stay Alive! DO NOT cross the tracks until the lights have stopped flashing and it is safe to do so.

(6) Remember, rails and recreation do not mix!"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the State Superintendent of Education.