In cooperation with Fenton High School and Metra, the Bensenville Police Department would like to remind people about the dangers of crossing railroad tracks other than at established crossings. In addition to the public awareness campaign, there will also be an enforcement campaign. One specific area of concern is students at Fenton High School crossing the tracks before and after school.

Operation Lifesaver is an active, continuing public education program designed to reduce the number of crashes, deaths and injuries at highway-rail intersections. It is sponsored cooperatively by federal, state and local government agencies, civic and business organizations, the nation's railroads and other groups interested in highway safety.

Safety tips:

• The only safe place to cross is at a designated public crossing with either a crossbuck, flashing red lights or a gate. If you cross at any other place, you are trespassing and can be ticketed or fined. Cross tracks ONLY at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings.
• Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and equipment are private property and trespassers are subject to arrest and fine. If you are in a rail yard uninvited by a railroad official you are trespassing and subject to criminal prosecution; you could be injured or killed in a busy rail yard.
• It can take a mile or more to stop a train, so a locomotive engineer who suddenly sees someone on the tracks will likely be unable to stop in time. Railroad property is private property. For your safety, it is illegal to be there unless you are at a designated public crossing.
• Trains overhang the tracks by at least three feet in both directions; loose straps hanging from rail cars may extend even further. If you are in the right-of-way next to the tracks, you can be hit by the train.
• Do not cross the tracks immediately after a train passes. A second train might be blocked by the first. Trains can come from either direction. Wait until you can see clearly around the first train in both directions.
• Flashing red lights indicate a train is approaching from either direction. You can be fined for failure to obey these signals. Never walk around or behind lowered gates at a crossing, and DO NOT cross the tracks until the lights have stopped flashing and it's safe to do so.
• Do not attempt to hop aboard railroad equipment at any time. A slip of the foot can cost you a limb or your life.
• Be aware trains do not follow set schedules. Any Time is Train Time!