Illinois Commerce Commission is celebrating a historic milestone

Posted on April 26, 2022
The Operation Lifesaver group works to address concerns and educate the public about railway safety through training, community presentations, and informational campaigns. (Photo courtesy: ICC/Facebook)

By Blake Haas and IIS

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Commerce Commission and Operation Lifesaver are celebrating 50-years of rail safety education.

Last year 124 people died in railroad crossing collisions, down from the 850 people killed annually on average 50-years ago.

“Education is a vital component of our rail safety efforts,” said ICC Executive Director Mike Merchant. “(This) has contributed to a reduction of incidents at public rail crossings. With over 7,500 public ad grade crossings in Illinois, there were 124 (deaths) in 2021.”

The Operation Lifesaver group works to address concerns and educate the public about railway safety through training, community presentations, and informational campaigns.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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