Railroad Safety Information for CCIB Conference

Railroad Safety Information for CCIB Conference

Trying to beat the train back in 1917 and still today

Walking on RR Tracks in 1926 and still today

Riding the side of the train in 1930 and still today

Illinois Hub of Nation s Railroad Traffic Nation s largest rail hub 55 Railroads/1,500 Trains Illinois ranks second only to Texas in the number of public crossings (7,795) (3600) private and track miles (7,400). Illinois has the 3rd largest highway system with over 140,000 miles of highways, streets and roads. Higher concentration of crossings, trains and roads= Greater risk exposure Top 5 nationally every year in crashes 6

It Happens Every 3 Hours Train Pushes Car Half Mile, Three People Die Person Struck and Killed While Walking On Tracks Train collides with Truck at crossing with multiple tracks 7

Over 50% of all incidents are willful violations like this

25% of all crashes occur when the vehicle runs into the side of the train.. 9

75% occur during daylight hours 10

Speed Perception- The Optical Illusion 11

Weight Ratio 3,000 lbs. 12 Million lbs. 4,000 to 1 weight ratio 12 oz. 3,000 lbs. A car crushing a can is the same as a train crushing a car. Copyright 2014 by Operation Lifesaver, Inc. All rights reserved. 12

Approximate Stopping Distance 200 Ft. 230 Ft. Stopping distance of the average freight train is a mile or more. That s 18 football fields. Trains can stop, but they can t stop quickly. 55MPH When traveling at 300 Ft. 600 Ft. >5280 Ft. Copyright 2014 by Operation Lifesaver, Inc. All rights reserved. 13 5

Trains can stop they just can t stop quickly

Passive Sign means Yield 17

Passive Sign at crossing being upgraded 18

End cameras will see you This signal remains bagged until ativated 19

Active Crossing Warning Devices Flashing red lights warn of an approaching train and must be treated like a stop sign. At crossings with flashing lights and no gates, you must stop. Proceed only when it is safe to do so. Trains always have the right-of-way. Copyright 2014 by Operation Lifesaver, Inc. All rights reserved. 20

20 of seconds warning time

Multiple Tracks Multiple Tracks Mean Multiple Trains Check for a multiple track sign, which informs the driver how many sets of tracks are at that crossing. Always make sure all tracks are clear before crossing any track. If there is a train in the crossing, after that train clears, make sure another train is not approaching on any other track from either direction. Copyright 2014 by Operation Lifesaver, Inc. All rights reserved. 22

ENS and DOT Information

NEW ENS SIGNS

Hump Crossings Due to close clearance to the road, trucks and many trailers are prohibited from using these crossings. When you see this warning sign, find another way across the tracks. Be aware that crossings may not have this sign, so pay attention to the roadway at all times. Copyright 2014 by Operation Lifesaver, Inc. All rights reserved. 25

Emergency Notification System (ENS) In case of emergency, look for this blue sign that shows an emergency phone number. Call the number and give the Department of Transportation (DOT) crossing number found on the sign to identify your location. This sign may be located on the crossbuck post or signal post. If you cannot locate the ENS sign, call 911 or the local police. Copyright 2014 by Operation Lifesaver, Inc. All rights reserved. 26

Trains overhang the tracks..

What Will You Do if You Stall on the Tracks? 1. Get out! 2. Get away from the tracks, even if you do not see a train. 3. Locate the Emergency Notification System sign and call the number provided, telling them about the stalled vehicle. 45 4. If a train is approaching, run toward the train but away from the tracks at a 45 degree angle. If you run in the same direction a train is traveling, you could be injured by flying debris. Copyright 2014 by Operation Lifesaver, Inc. All rights reserved. 29

Trespassers are everywhere..!!!

Trespassing on Railroad Property 5/18C-7503 No person may: walk, ride, drive or be upon or along the right of way or rail yard of a rail carrier within the State, at a place other that a public grade crossing. Any person found in violation of this shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor for a first offense. The person shall be subject to a mandatory fine of not less than $150.00 or more than $500.00.

Criminal Trespassers.. 32

Transient Trespassers.. 33

Convenience Trespassers

Recreational Trespassers.. Bikers, Joggers and Hunters 35

SELFIES on RR tracks To Die For?????? 36

Trespassing Incidents in Illinois 37

Worn paths indicate dangerous and illegal access to crossing or walking along RR tracks

(Restrict Access to RR R.O.W.)

Trespassing will to be enforced.. 40

Do Not Walk on Tracks Walking on railroad tracks is dangerous and illegal. Many people believe they will always hear a train coming, but some trains are silent and difficult to hear. Loose banding or other materials can overhang the tracks. Trains can run on any track, at any time, from either direction. Walking, lying, or sitting on the tracks can cause injuries and even death. Tracks are for trains, not for people Stay Off! Stay Away! Stay Alive! Copyright 2014 by Operation Lifesaver, Inc. All rights reserved. 42

Public crossing and authorized crosswalks 44

End cameras will see you Head End cameras on locomotives 45

USSE

Everybody s somebody could be anybody.. Including you

Chip Pew (312) 636-3034 cpew@icc.illinois.gov