EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) – The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office says deputies will not issue warnings this week to drivers caught violating railroad crossing laws, as part of Indiana Rail Safety Week.
Hundreds struck at crossings each year
Sheriff Noah Robinson said the sheriff’s office wants to remind the public that each year hundreds of pedestrians and vehicles are struck at grade crossings throughout the nation, and almost every train-pedestrian or train-vehicle collision is preventable.
“So, this week is rail safety week, and the Sheriff’s Office is wanting to get the message out about reminding folks that each year hundreds of pedestrians and vehicles are struck at grade crossings throughout our nation and almost every single train pedestrian train vehicle collision is preventable,” Robinson said.
Driving around cross arms is a violation
Deputies say driving around a lowered cross arm is a violation of Indiana state code. Cross arms are not optional at intersections, according to the sheriff’s office.
“Most intersections, particularly high-volume intersections are controlled by cross arms,” Robinson said. “Those are not optional. You don’t drive around them. It’s an indication that a train is coming, and our sheriff deputies are always on the lookout for someone who’s driving around a grade crossing. It puts the public at risk. It puts your family at risk.”…