UP police team up with local law enforcement to crack down on crossing violations in two Texas towns (6/13/2005)
6/13/2022Last week, Union Pacific Railroad, and Arlington and Grand Prairie, Texas, police officers issued 111 citations to motorists for grade crossing violations during an "Officer on the Train" event.
UP’s Crossing Accident Reduction Enforcement (CARE) task force — a 24-member team of special agents who work with state and local police officers to enforce crossing laws — chose the cities because of a high number of recent violations.
The CARE team is trying to improve crossing safety in the state. Last year, Texas tallied 287 crossing collisions causing 26 fatalities and 99 injuries compared with 283 collisions causing 36 deaths and 105 injuries in 2003. During a similar Officer on the Train event in San Antonio last week, UP and city police officers issued 27 citations.
Police officers ride on trains to observe motorists’ behavior at crossings. If officers see a violation, they radio another officer positioned near a crossing to issue a citation to the motorist. Officer on the Train is part of Operation Lifesaver Inc.’s programs.
Source: Progressive Railroading Daily News