Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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September 17, 2021
WHEREAS, 1,889 rail-grade crossing collisions resulted in 678 personal injuries and were responsible for 201 fatalities in the United States during 2020; and,
WHEREAS, 1,088 trespassing incidents have occurred in the United States resulting in 532 pedestrians being killed and another 556 injured while trespassing on railroad property rights of way during 2020; and,
WHEREAS, educating and informing the public about rail safety, reminding the public that railroad right of ways are private property, enhancing public awareness of the dangers associated with highway rail grade crossings, ensuring pedestrians and motorists are looking and listening while near railways, and obeying established traffic laws will reduce the number of fatalities and injuries; and,
WHEREAS, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Operation Lifesaver, United States Department of Transportation, and all local, state, county, and railroad law enforcement officers, first responders, and railroad corporations are committed to partnering together to educate at a national level all aspects of railroad safety in an effort to enforce applicable laws in support of Rail Safety Week;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 20-26, 2021, as Rail Safety Week in Michigan and encourage all citizens to recognize the importance of rail safety education.