Hinsdale Police Riding BNSF Trains to Enforce Crossing Laws

Hinsdale police will ride at the head of a Metra BNSF commuter train Wednesday to help patrol units on the ground catch grade crossing or trespassing violations.

Representatives of multiple state, county and local law enforcement agencies will participate Aug. 19 in the “Officer on the Train” exercise, according to Hinsdale police.

Hinsdale police officers at five of Hinsdale’s grade crossings will be prepared to write citations.

Educational pamphlets will also be handed out at the train stations during the morning hours.

According to Hinsdale police, common crossing collision causes:

• The person sees the train coming, but misjudges speed and distance.
• The person races the train to the crossing, and is either struck by the train, or runs into the side of it.
• As the train clears the crossing, the person immediately starts across the tracks without looking for other trains, and either strikes or is struck by a train running on an adjacent track.
• A person becomes “too familiar” with a crossing and uses no caution when approaching the crossing.
• A person is incapable of making a clear decision due to alcohol.