Inside Track
Elmhurst Police Conduct Rail Safety Blitz
Posted November 5, 2013 03:21 PM CDT
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Their goal was simple, said Elmhurst Deputy Chief Jim Kveton: "Making sure people stay safe around the tracks."
The Elmhurst Police Department conducted a rail safety blitz Oct. 29, targeting community members at its local depot, located just outside of Chicago. Police officers gave rail safety presentations inside the depot, as well as talked with commuters waiting on the platform outside.
Their goal was simple, said Elmhurst Deputy Chief Jim Kveton: "Making sure people stay safe around the tracks."
The initiative was funded through the Union Pacific CARES safety grant program, which provides financial support to community-owned railroad safety initiatives. Programs eligible for UP CARES grant funds include youth education activities, school or community safety days, community safety blitzes and grade crossing educational enforcement activities.
Elmhurst's Oct. 29 initiative reached more than 300 commuters during the busy morning rush from 5-9 a.m. Officers reminded commuters awaiting their daily Metra train into Chicago that whether standing on the depot platform or driving their vehicles, they should always expect a train, only cross tracks at grade crossings, and follow all posted warning devices and signs.
The Elmhurst Police Department is planning additional rail safety outreach as part of the grant-funded rail safety program, including an education and enforcement initiative targeting local drivers and a pedestrian/trespasser initiative.
Learn more about railroad safety and the safety grant program at UnionPacificCares.com.
From left, Elmhurst Police Officer Matt McCollum, Deputy Chief Jim Kveton and Union Pacific's Adrian Guerrero, director-Public Affairs, Chicago.
