Suburban law enforcement are targeting railroad crossings for increased enforcement in the wake of a fatal Chicago pedestrian accident last month in North Chicago.
Rail road crossings in suburbs, including Elmhurst, Lombard and Des Plaines, are being monitored for gate-crashers and other violators, the Breaking News Center reported.Ignoring a crossing signal or lowered gate is punishable by a $250 fine.
As we reported last month on Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer blog, a woman and an infant were killed by a Metra train near North Chicago station.
A total of 16 non-suicide Illinois train accidents were reported last year. Commuters in a rush, kids playing on the tracks and motorists disregarding gates and warning lights are all causes of Chicago train accidents.
The Illinois Commerce Commission reports 80 collisions involving trains occurred last year — down from the 129 collisions that were reported in 2008.
In last month’s case, a woman carrying an infant in heavy fog was attempting to catch up to her family, which had already crossed the tracks; she tried to cross ahead of a train moving into the station.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a Chicago traffic accident, contact the personal injury lawyers and Illinois wrongful death attorneys at Abels & Annes for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.