May 20, 2008

CROSSING ACCIDENT REDUCTION ENFORCEMENT UPDATE
Midland Police joined forces with Union Pacific this morning to help raise awareness of train safety and reduce the number of accidents at railroad crossings.  In all, 76 citations (tickets) were issued and three arrests.  Fifty tickets were given for disregarding crossing signals, for being stopped on the railroad tracks, or for being parked within 15 feet of the railroad tracks.  The remaining 26 tickets were for other violations including no driver’s license, no insurance, no seatbelt, or an unrestrained child.  Three warnings were also given.

The program is designed to draw attention to the dangers of trying to “beat” a train.  Union Pacific reminds drivers that it is hard to tell how fast a train is traveling.  In Texas, the main cause of railroad crossing accidents is motorists that choose to disobey warning signs.

There are 11 railroad crossings inside Midland’s city limits.  All of the crossings have gates and concrete medians.

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