The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
POLICE PATROL RAILROADS TO ENSURE CROSSING SAFETY
Rail Safety Week kicks off
The Vermilion Police Department, in conjunction with Operation LifeSaver and Amtrak, have stepped up railroad monitoring to promote safety at the crossings in the city.
The week titled “Rail Safety Week” is conducted nationally Sept. 23-29 and features law enforcement from across the country participating.
Vermilion police Capt. Jim Graham said the department was happy to participate in the safety week.
“It’s definitely something we want to be a part of considering the railroad crossings we have here,” Graham said. “We’ll have guys switching off every three hours to monitor the tracks and enforce the law should someone cross when they aren’t supposed to.”
Authorities should have done this program for years, he said.
“I understand the importance of it,” Graham said. “I also think it’s important to refresh everyone’s memory on the laws and make sure the citizens are aware of the severity of what could happen if the laws aren’t abided.
“I remember a lady that tried to drive around the tracks when I was on patrol doing this. So, it does happen and is something people need to be aware of.”
Graham said accidents happen because people feel that they are in a rush.
“There needs to be more patience, for sure,” he said. “The red flashing light means you have to stop. People see the light and think they can quickly make it.
“But that’s when accidents happen. We don’t see it happen too, often, but operations like this, serve as good reminders.”
Vermilion Patrolman Dale Reising said he is driving around to the different crossings and sitting and waiting for any violators.
“I’ll go to Main Street, Grand Street, Adams Street and a few others in my time window,” Reising said. “If I see a violation, I’ll stop them and let them know they’re in the wrong.
“The most difficult part of enforcing the law is when they are moving away from the side you’re on, because the train is coming and there is no way of getting to the other side.”
Marc Magliari, spokesman for Amtrak, said the goal of the operation is to educate motorists.
“This part of the week is called ‘Operation Clear Track,’” Magliari said. “The goal is to educate through enforcement. Local police are looking at different crossing in their cities.
“Hopefully, it raises awareness and prevents accidents from occurring.”
Ohio Operation Lifesaver issued a news release saying the operation is happening with more than 500 participating departments in 48 states.
“No one should think it’s okay, even one time, to ignore grade crossing or trespassing laws on railroad property,” said Amtrak police Chief Neil Trugman. “This safety detail will deliver that message to thousands of people in-person today, to try and stop these tragic rail-related incidents that occur every day in someone’s home town.”
During “Operation Clear Track,” police report to highway rail grade crossings throughout the state of Ohio where there have been a high number of incidents according to preliminary data from the Federal Railroad Administration, the release said.
“Enforcement, education and engineering are our three best weapons against incidents involving trains,” said Operation Lifesaver Interim President Wende Corcoran. “While we have made strides in reducing deaths and injuries since our inception 46 years ago, the goal of ‘Operation Clear Track’ and other ‘Rail Safety Week’ activities is to empower citizens to keep themselves safe near tracks and trains.”