For further information please contact: Sergeant Sheldon Lyon
816-387-2345
H09076
September 27, 2007

EMPHASIS: Railroad Grade Crossing Enforcement Results


Captain Duane L. Robinson, commanding officer of Troop H in St. Joseph, announces the results of a railroad grade crossing enforcement program. The operation was a joint venture between the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the St. Joseph Police Department, and the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad. Officers from the two departments rode on the train and watched for motorists who fail to stop for the red signal lights and stop arms that are activated when a train is approaching. Other officers in patrol cars stopped the violators and took enforcement action.
A total of nine summonses were issued for railroad grade crossing violations. One of the violations was a school bus with schoolchildren onboard. Officers also made a misdemeanor marijuana arrest during the two-hour program.
On September 26, 2007, the same group of agencies handed out brochures to area motorists to educate them about the dangers of crossing railroad tracks illegally. Operation Lifesaver, an organization dedicated to educating and informing the public of these dangers, funds this effort.
Captain Robinson stated, “Crashes involving motorists and trains are devastating. These programs help to prevent this type of collision.”
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