(KFVS) - The Union Pacific Railroad, the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies are partnering in an effort to lower fatalities at railroad crossings in the Illinois State Police District 13 area.

Even one of these tragic events is too many. Highway-rail crash statistics for 2012 indicate that Illinois had 89 crashes at public crossings. Twenty five people were killed and another 34 seriously injured. Illinois has over 7,300 miles of track with 7,780 public crossings and 4,536 private crossings.

Here are some other national statistics courtesy of the Illinois Commerce Commission's Operation Lifesaver website:

CARBONDALE, IL (KFVS) - The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale will host a public hearing next week to discuss legislative redistricting in Illinois.

The hearing is May 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carbondale Civic Center, 200 S. Illinois Ave.

Ryan Blitstein, president of “CHANGE Illinois!,” will outline a proposed constitutional amendment and hear ideas and suggestions from the public about the group’s proposal to create a citizens commission to do redistricting. Under current law, state lawmakers draw their own district lines.

Recently, the group launched a drive to finalize the text of an amendment before starting a petition drive asking voters to put it on the November 2014 ballot. Blitstein is touring the state explaining the plan and collecting reactions and suggestions.

(KFVS) - For the 30th year, May has been proclaimed Motorcycle Awareness Month in Illinois as part of a statewide campaign to reduce motorcycle crash fatalities and injuries.

Governor Pat Quinn, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, Gold Wing Road Riders Association, and A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education joined in support of campaigns to urge Illinois motorists to "Start Seeing Motorcycles" and "Look Twice - Save a Life." The safety coalition urged all drivers to share the road and recognized volunteers who participate in the annual Windshield Washing Project to raise awareness.