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1		SENATE RESOLUTION
2		WHEREAS, Many people throughout the State put themselves
3		and others at risk by trespassing along the right-of-way of
4		railroads or ignoring railroad crossing warning devices at
5		public crossings; and
6		WHEREAS, Parents and children alike may be unfamiliar with
7		proper behavior near railroad tracks; therefore, be it
8		RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL
9		ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we encourage K through
10		12 schools in this State to include the following language in
11		their student handbooks:
12		"As a parent, you teach your children to strive for
13		excellence, pursue their interests, and to be safe and
14		responsible citizens. Operation Lifesaver is an
15		international, nonprofit education and awareness program
16		dedicated to ending tragic collisions, fatalities, and
17		injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and on railroad
18		rights of way. Operation Lifesaver strives to increase
19		public awareness about the dangers around the rails. The
20		program seeks to educate both pedestrians and drivers,
21		young and old, to make safe decisions at crossings and
22		around railroad tracks.
23		Your children will take critical information they

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1		learn from you into their future. Operation Lifesaver wants
2		to help you make sure their future is a safe one.
3		Here are some tips about walking across railroad tracks
4		and trespassing:
5		(1) Cross tracks ONLY at designated pedestrian or
6		roadway crossings. Observe and obey all warning signs
7		and signals.
8		(2) Never walk down a train track; it's illegal and
9		it's dangerous. By the time a locomotive engineer can
10		see a trespasser or a vehicle on the tracks, it is too
11		late. The train cannot stop quickly enough to avoid a
12		collision.
13		(3) The only safe place to cross is at a designated
14		public crossing with a cross buck, flashing red lights,
15		or a gate. If you cross at any other place, you are
16		trespassing and can be ticketed or fined.
17		(4) Do not cross the tracks immediately after a
18		train passes. A second train might be blocked by the
19		first. Trains can come from either direction. Wait
20		until you can see clearly around the first train in
21		both directions.
22		(5) Flashing red lights signal that a train is
23		approaching from either direction. You can be fined for
24		failure to obey these signals. Never walk around or
25		behind lowered gates at a crossing. Stay Alive! DO NOT
26		cross the tracks until the lights have stopped flashing

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1		and it is safe to do so.
2		(6) Remember, rails and recreation do not mix!";
3		and be it further
4		RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be
5		delivered to the State Superintendent of Education.