HARLINGEN — Drivers inching forward looking for the chance to beat the train should reconsider next time or risk being cited.
That was the sometimes harsh message sent yesterday afternoon.
Union Pacific Railroad teamed up with local law enforcement for a demonstration on railroad safety.
The “Officer on a Train” operation invited the Harlingen Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and the media to board a train and ride up and down the tracks for more than an hour.
The goal was to send a message to drivers of the consequences of illegally crossing train tracks.
The train rode a distance of about 3 miles between Tyler Avenue and Primera Road near Commerce Street.
The train went straight before stopping at each end and turning around.
During the ride, officers on the train were able to tip off officers stationed at each intersection about illegal crossings.
Officers tried to give citations out to those who illegally crossed the train tracks.
According to Special Agent Alfredo Rodriguez, some of the drivers were able to cross without being cited.
“You have three cars go by at the same time and an officer can’t get to them because he’s already stopped somebody else,” Rodriguez said.
He guessed that about one-third of those who illegally crossed were able to get away without being cited.
During the hour and a half time slot, 37 citations were given out. Out of those, 35 were for vehicles that were stopped for illegally crossing the tracks when the lights were on or the cross arms were going down.
The remaining four people were cited for trespassing or crossing tracks not at an intersection.
“Some are just not aware of their surroundings or they blatantly disregard the train,” Rodriguez said. “Crossing, it’s dangerous and can cost a life.”
During 2016, Texas led the nation with more than 200 highway-rail grade crossing collisions, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. A total of 22 deaths and 82 injuries occurred during that time.
Operations like the one held yesterday promote rail safety and happen sporadically throughout the year.
Prior to being in Harlingen, Union Pacific was in Los Fresnos and San Benito Tuesday. There officers gave 20 and 22 citations out, respectively.
Each ticket can cost anywhere between $50 and $200.
What does the law say?
Texas law requires motorists to yield the right of way to trains. It is also against the law to cross tracks if a train is visible or to drive around gates that have been lowered at a railroad crossing. If the gates are down and no train is coming, the road is closed.
