By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald
Like many in the Barrington community, parent Roma Khan was in mourning after 17-year-old student Marin Lacson was struck and killed by a train while walking to Barrington High School on Jan. 25.
Four days later, Khan turned her grief into action when she created the Barrington Student Safety Organization. Within a day, 200 others had joined the group. Now Khan and fellow volunteers stand guard at rail crossings in town, helping to usher walking students to classes safely.
“I was depressed and angry and I recognized that there weren’t any train crossing guards,” Khan said Tuesday as she stood near the downtown Hough Street crossing, wearing a pink and yellow crossing guard vest.
It was at that crossing where Marin was hit by a Metra train. Authorities said she was attempting to cross the tracks after an outbound train had passed, when she was struck by a second, inbound train.
Village officials this week announced a series of additional safety measures being enacted to enhance safety at rail crossings.
Barrington police will increase their presence at train crossings, with uniformed officers visible during key times to remind pedestrians the importance of rail safety.
The village also plans to install more signs at pedestrian crossings. On Tuesday morning, Barrington public works employee Doug Everhart was at the Hough Street crossing, marking out spots for new warning signs.
Read more here.
Related: “’Enhancing Safety at Our Rail Crossings’ – Village of Barrington”
I get wanting to be proactive, but not the bright pink vest or picture in front of the memorial. Crossing guards go through training, usually in conjunction with local police departments. Crossing guard safety equipment utilizes approved gear. This is so students, pedestrians, vehicular traffic, rail crews, etc… can readily identify that the persons performing the activity is knowledgeable in how to direct everyone involved in the use of the crossing, including themselves. I hope the Barrington PD and Metra step in to properly monitor this situation.
Praying for the family and friends of Marin and the community that she called home.