During today’s operation, which began at 4:30 p.m. and concluded just after 7 p.m., deputies interacted with drivers and pedestrians. The nearly three-hour effort resulted in three drivers receiving citations, four drivers being issued warnings and one arrest for an outstanding warrant. The vehicle offenses included stopping on the railroad tracks, failure to stop for an activated railroad crossing signal and unlicensed drivers. Deputies also distributed 28 rail safety education cards to drivers and pedestrians.
Metrolink partnered with both county Sheriff’s Departments to make sure drivers and pedestrians engaged in safe behavior at crossings. A total of 10 crossings, including those at Grand Avenue, McFadden Avenue and Ritchey Street, were monitored during the operation.
Metrolink encourages the community to always look both ways before crossing railroad tracks and to understand a train can come from either direction at any time. It is important people pay attention when approaching railroad crossings and avoid distractions like texting or listening to music, and stop at least 15 feet from the tracks.
September was designated Rail Safety Month by the State of California in 2009, with the goal of decreasing rail-related incidents. During Rail Safety Month, Metrolink conducts engineering upgrades and enforcement efforts, as well as promotes rail safety awareness through education about ways to stay safe at rail crossings and on the railroad rights-of-way through Metrolink’s commitment to safety.
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