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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

Illinois Law Enforcement Agencies Raise Awareness For Rail Safety Week

Jessie Schlacks / WNIJ

Illinois ranks third in the nation in car versus train fatalities; that’s why state officials are using this week to draw attention to rail safety.

80 to 90 trains pass through the Rochelle Rail Park every day. 

Visitors to this observation area make it a hobby to keep an eye on trains, but that's not the case everywhere.  

More than half of all collisions in Illinois happen at crossings with active warning devices. 

Last year, there were dozens of deaths from the 140 crossing collisions in the state; 24 deaths involved collisions with cars and trains. Another 23 occurred when people walked onto tracks. 

Law enforcement officials remind people that it's illegal to stop your vehicle on railroad tracks, or anywhere within the highway-rail grade crossing areas.

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