Train-related Injuries and Fatalities in Elmhurst Holding Steady at Zero Since 1999

It's been 13 years since a fatal railroad collision has occurred in Elmhurst, and the Elmhurst Police want to continue that trend. Part of that effort involves continuously educating the public on being vigilant around trains.

Thousands of commuters take the train in and out of the Elmhurst station every day, often racing to get to their trains on time. From 5:30 to 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, they will be greeted by representatives of Metra and the Elmhurst police, who will hand out flyers, luggage straps and other promotional items reminding commuters to be alert.

"After suffering three fatal collisions involving trains in the early 1990s in a 12-month period, Elmhurst became very aggressive and proactive in their approach to reducing these preventable collisions," according to a press release from Police Chief Steve Neubauer. "Elmhurst is now celebrating 13 years without a single fatal railroad-involved collision."

In the past 17 years, Elmhurst experienced with one fatal collision, in 1998, according to the release.

A commuter train also during a blizzard. Driving conditions were so poor at the time that the SUV became stranded on the tracks. The driver and passenger were able to escape without injury.

Metra's last safety campaign , on Feb. 22, when Metra officials explained to hurried commuters about new pedestrian gates and other improvements that were installed all along the West Line.

That increased safety measures were part of an initiative to also increase train traffic along the line, which was expected to reduce delays.