Press Release #: (Insert Dept. # If Applicable) Release Date: (Insert Date)

PRESS RELEASE Release Immediately

Press Release #: (insert dept. # if applicable) Release Date: (insert date) Contact: (insert department contact information) Illinois Rail Safety Week – Farm Machinery Operator Safety Tips (insert your town name), IL – The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) is coordinating the fourth, statewide Illinois Rail Safety Week, which runs from September 24th to 30th, in partnership with the Union Pacific and CN Railroads, along with support from state, county, and local law enforcement agencies, railroads, schools, and various private sector agencies. The ILACP is also pleased to announce that Operation Lifesaver has declared the same week as National Rail Safety Week, and the ILACP is proud to be part of the national effort. The (insert department name) wants to promote safety for the operators of farm machinery around railroad tracks. Farm crossings are largely passive and have no gates, lights, bells, or signs. Operation Lifesaver offers the following safety tips for farm machinery operators; - Stop no closer than 15 feet from the nearest rail. Allow extra distance for front mounted buckets and other attachments. - Open the machinery cab windows, turn off radio, fan, and remove headsets to better hear an approaching train. - Make sure the farm machinery is properly lined up with the farm crossing to ensure safe passage over the tracks. - While stopped, look carefully in both directions for an approaching train. Be sure to have a clear view by looking around the mirrors, pillars, and implements on your equipment. - Be extra careful when crossing tracks in inclement weather such as rain and snow. Be aware of the possibility your machinery may slip or slide on the crossing. - Before resuming travel, make sure there is enough room on the other side for your equipment to fully clear the tracks without stopping. - Make sure any towed equipment does not become unhitched while crossing the railroad tracks. Be sure transported cargo does not fall onto the tracks. - Be aware of special situations. Some farm equipment is uniquely designed for fieldwork and does not transport well across farm crossings. - Always have readily available the location of the crossing (railway subdivision and mileage), railway contact, and the emergency phone number of the railway in case of an emergency. If you would like more information about Illinois Rail Safety Week, please visit www.illinoisrailsafetyweek.org or contact the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.

AUTHORITY: ______(Insert authorizing representative if applicable)