Train safety project Tuesday

Monday, November 23, 2009

Le Mars Daily Sentinel

Watch the railroad crossings Tuesday.

Law enforcement officers will be watching at the tracks in Le Mars for crossing violators during an "Officer on the Train" project with the Union Pacific railroad.

Tickets issued to motorists for failing to stop at the red crossing signals will cost a total of $195.

The project, which begins at 11 a.m., is designed to increase compliance of railroad crossing signals by motorists in and around Le Mars, according to a press release.

Officers will report the total number of violators Tuesday.

"Railroad personnel advise that they have experienced numerous near misses with vehicles as the trains pass through the community," the release stated.

Comments

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I think this a great project, too many people try to beat the train just to save 2-3 minutes. Could you imagine if the train came thru LeMars the same speed as Merrill? We'd have a deathly crash every week. The motorists need to pay attention and be patient. Once I saw a smaller white transport bus that gives rides to the elderly and handicapped, run thru a red signal and nearly get hit. If the driver wants to die, so be it, but the passengers don't have a choice.

-- Posted by BulldogFanz on Mon, Nov 23, 2009, at 2:24 PM

Very true. I think we will be seeing longer than 3 minute waites in the future at the 12th st crossing and 18th st due to the rail expansion and switching. Safety is very important to stay alive around motorized equipment. I don't think the speed the trains travel through town are significant, having them slow down has caused a longer delay at thew signals. Many places leave the trains running fast and the people know to stay clear of the tracks when the signals start. People tend to race a slow train if there is a possibility of out running it easily. Not that I think racing a train is a good idea, I don't. But I can see coorelations.

-- Posted by ADifferentView on Mon, Nov 23, 2009, at 5:04 PM

Seriously this was a great eye opener for our community six months ago, I believe every life saved by that 195.00 ticket is well worth it. Living by the railroad tracks my whole life I feel this is needed more often. The only thing I could think of is if LMPD could wait till after school to do this to teach some of the younger drivers! I know there will be more postings on this, mostly by the people who get tickets, but twelve years ago I was home when they picked up Davey's body parts off the tracks this is something that I have always carried with me.

-- Posted by eyes wide open on Mon, Nov 23, 2009, at 9:04 PM