Two Fatal Train Collisions In Lake Co. Prompt Rail Safety Tips From CN

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Two separate fatal incidents involving pedestrians and trains in Lake County in recent weeks have prompted renewed rail safety tips from Canadian National Railway officials, who are reminding the public about the dangers of railroad tracks and crossings.

In one incident, a 60-year-old Grayslake woman was struck and killed by a train on June 9 while biking across the tracks near Lake Street and Hillside Avenue, according to authorities.

• Grayslake Bicyclist Killed By Train Identified As Woman, 60: Coroner

In a second incident, a teenage girl died after being hit by a freight train on July 13 in Mundelein, police said.

• Teen Girl Killed After Being Struck By Freight Train In Mundelein

Both incidents remain under investigation by local law enforcement and railroad police agencies.

Following the tragedies, CN officials issued a safety reminder urging the public to use extreme caution around railroad tracks and crossings. The company emphasized the following rail safety risks:

• Speed misperception: Because of their size, trains appear to be much farther away and travelling much slower than their actual speed.
• Trains can’t stop quickly: The average train needs at least 1.2 miles to stop. Trains can stop, but they can’t stop quickly.
• Trespassing: Taking a shortcut across the tracks or being on railway property is illegal, and trespassers can be seriously injured or killed.
• Weight ratio: An average freight train weighs more than 5,500 tons. Compare that to a car, which weighs about 1.5 ton. A train hitting a car is like a car hitting a pop can.
• Railway cars: Stopped railway cars can move at any time. If you’re on one or near one when it moves, you could lose a limb or be killed.
• Tunnels and bridges: Tunnels, bridges and trestles are designed only for trains. Trespassers can be seriously injured or killed.
• Overhang: Trains can carry loads that are wider than the railroad cars themselves. They can have chains, straps or other equipment that may extend outside the car. If you are standing too close, you could get hit.
• Any time is train time: Trains do not always run on schedule. They can run at any time on any track and come from either direction.

Anyone who witnesses unsafe activity near railroad tracks is urged to call CN’s emergency line at 1-800-465-9239.