Plainfield PD Is Educating Public On Railroad Crossing Safety

PLAINFIELD, IL — In response to a crash in the village last month, the Plainfield Police Department, in conjunction with the CN Railroad Police and Illinois Operation Lifesaver, is conducting educational campaigns along with enforcement details at railroad crossings within the village since Jan. 25.

A semi-trailer was hit by a train in Plainfield on Jan. 15, police said. The semi was heading west on Route 126 and was stopped in traffic when the grade crossing signals warned of an approaching train. The driver told police he thought he had pulled far enough up to clear the tracks, but the train struck the rear of the tractor/trailer, spilling 37,000 pounds of empty glass bottles into the road and grade crossing.

"The purpose of these campaigns is to prevent this potentially deadly collision from occurring again," a release from the police department said. "The main focus of the enforcement details will involve citing drivers that stop their vehicle on the railroad tracks and/or stop their vehicle in between the white lines or gate arms. It is imperative to note that every train overhangs each rail by a minimum of 3 feet and in certain cases up to 5 feet. If you stop within 3 to 5 feet of the rail, you will be struck by the passing train."

In addition, drivers of certain vehicles who fail to stop as required at railroad crossings, such as school buses and hazardous material placarded vehicles will be cited, as will drivers who disobey activated railroad signals indicating the approach of a train.

Upon conviction, anyone cited for stopping on railroad tracks, or within the dynamic envelope, will have their driver’s license suspended for 30 days for the first offense, and three months for the second offense. This violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code for stopping on railroad tracks or within the dynamic envelope requires a mandatory court appearance with fines and court costs of approximately $760 or a fine of approximately $300and 50 hours of community service.

As part of its first training, the department released safety tips for truck drivers:

• Pay attention to the advanced warning signs that indicate you are approaching a railroad crossing.
• Start slowing down so you can stop your vehicle if a train is approaching.
• While slowing down or coming to a stop, look and listen carefully in each direction for the sound and sight of a train.
• Never shift on a railroad crossing to avoid the risk of stalling on the tracks. Check for traffic around you before you move toward a crossing.
• Turn on your flashers, if necessary, to warn traffic that you are slowing down or stopping at the crossing.
• Do not start across until you know you can cross the tracks completely without stopping.
• Know the length of your vehicle. Also, know your vehicle's under clearance.
• Before resuming travel, look in both directions. If there is a traffic signal or stop sign across the tracks, make certain traffic will not trap you on the crossing.
• Before you cross, plan to have 15 feet of clearance between your rear bumper and the farthest rail. This will prevent your overhang from getting hit.
• If there are flashing lights and gates at the crossing, stop when the lights begin to flash. Wait until the lights stop flashing and the gates go completely up before proceeding.
• If warning lights at the crossing begin to flash after you have started across the tracks with your vehicle, keep going. Do not back up.

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