BEVERLY — Fines will double starting Sunday for drivers who try to "beat the train" by crossing railroad tracks after the warning lights start flashing, bells start ringing and gates start lowering, according to Metra officials.
The commuter rail service issued a news release Wednesday reminding drivers of the new law signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner in July.
Drivers who disregard activated railroad gates and warning lights now will face a $500 fine for their first offense and a $1,000 for a second offense, a Metra spokeswoman said.
Illinois ranked second in the nation in 2015 for fatalities at railroad crossings. Nearly 75 percent of the collisions occurred at crossings with warning devices, including lights, gates and bells, according to Illinois Operation Lifesaver.
“The message is simple: When the gates are activated, stay off the tracks or you will pay the price through these increased fines or worse,” Don Orseno, Metra's chief executive officer said in a written statement.
The legislation was initiated by Metra in the spring as part of a larger initiative to help promote rail safety awareness and eliminate preventable injuries and deaths at railroad crossings.
“In addition to the tragic injuries or loss of life that can result when a vehicle is struck by a train, collisions at railroad crossings can impact thousands of Metra customers, who can be delayed for hours waiting for first responders to clear the accident scene, and delay other motorists who are forced to find alternate routes," Orseno said.
"Also, let’s not forget the trauma experienced by locomotive engineers and conductors when these incidents occur,” Orseno said.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here.
