Plainfield Police, CN Railway Crossing Enforcement Yields 35 Tickets

PLAINFIELD, IL — Plainfield police used the final Wednesday of July to monitor and enforce cars stopping on railway tracks, issuing a total of 35 as a result, officials said.

The Plainfield Police Department joined forces with Canadian National Railway Police July 29, posting officers at railway crossings along Route 126 and Plainfield-Naperville Road between Michigan Avenue and Mill Street.

"Drivers should never enter a railroad crossing unless they can completely clear the tracks and should always obey traffic control devices and posted signs," police said in a news release.

The enforcement detail resulted in the following citations:

• 13 for stopping on railroad tracks
• 16 for distracted driving/electronic use
• 1 for no valid driver's license
• 1 for no insurance
• 3 for no seat belt
• 1 for possession of cannabis

"Some drivers underestimate the dangers of stopping on railroad tracks," Sgt. Dino Dabezic said in a statement. "Stopping within a railroad crossing can have serious consequences, and we encourage motorists to always make sure they have enough room to completely clear the crossing before proceeding."

Plainfield police said the department will continue working with CN Railway Police to promote safe driving practices and reduce dangerous behavior around railway crossings.