Metra will conduct 51 Operation Lifesaver Safety Blitzes at train stations across the six-county region in 2022 as part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the importance of safe behavior around its trains and tracks.
During a safety blitz, Metra employees will visit one of the commuter railroad’s 242 stations during the morning rush hour, distributing educational materials about train and grade crossing safety, answering questions and listening to commuters’ safety concerns. A short video about grade crossing safety is also available for customers to view while they wait for their train. Local police, fire and other public officials are also invited to participate.
“Safety is always My Metra’s highest priority,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “As customers return to their commuting routines, these safety blitzes allow us to reach them directly to ensure that they understand the need to stay vigilant about safety anytime they’re around the railroad.”
Illinois has the nation’s second-largest rail system with more than 7,300 miles of railroad track and 10,264 public rail crossings. In 2020, Illinois ranked fourth in the nation in train vs. vehicle collisions at highway rail crossings and fifth in the nation in trespassing fatalities. From January through November 2021, statistics compiled by the Federal Railroad Administration show that 22 people died and 28 people were injured in grade crossing incidents in Illinois and another 19 people were killed and 17 people were injured trespassing along railroad right-of-way.
To help promote rail safety awareness and eliminate preventable injuries and deaths, Metra develops an annual schedule of safety blitzes throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. The complete 2022 safety blitz schedule can be found on Metra's website.
The primary purpose of the safety blitz program is educational. However, the Metra Police Department will also conduct additional enforcement blitzes at locations throughout the region where citations and warnings will be issued to pedestrians and drivers who ignore gates and warning devices.
Metra says it also promotes safety through its annual Safety Poster and Essay Contest for the region’s students and conducts hundreds of free Operation Lifesaver presentations annually to schools, community groups, school bus drivers, professional truck drivers, emergency responders and other organizations throughout the region.
