5. Delineators
The Task Force recommends that red and yellow delineators be installed on all curved roadway approaches with a radius of 1,000 feet or less. Delineators help motorists negotiate a curve and, would avoid lowering motorists' awareness of the proximity of a crossing and the possibility of meeting a train. If approval to use red and yellow delineators cannot be obtained, the contingency recommendation is to use the colors specified in the MUTCD.
6. Sign Restriction and Distraction Removal
A concentrated effort should be made by the railroad companies and those responsible for maintenance of the roadway approaches to remove, or cause to be removed, sight obstructions such as weeds, brush, or debris along their respective rights-of-way. Additionally, extraneous items such as signs in the immediate vicinity of the crossing should be removed from the rights-of-way to avoid distracting or irrelevant appurtenances. The Task Force recommends the railroad company and appropriate local agencies accomplish this work with their own forces. No special funding of this effort is recommended since it should be a continual program.
7. Public Education
It is recommended information be released to the news media as the Phase I recommendations are implemented. This would serve not only to provide some public education regarding the measures being taken but also to remind motorists of the potential hazards at railroad-highway grade crossing. Increased awareness and understanding on the part of motorists would be a positive step in decreasing the potential for accidents. It is recommended the railroad industry's "Operation Lifesaver" be considered for implementation in Illinois. Similarly, we recommend that the Illinois Office of Education be requested to emphasize the hazards of railroad crossing in driver education and information programs, possibly preparing special informational material for distribution. It is further recommended the Illinois Information Service be requested to produce TV and radio spots to run during public service time slots on the subject of the hazards at railroad crossing.
