Police Riding BNSF Trains Wednesday to Enforce Crossing Laws

Law enforcement officials 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 Metra.

Officers on the ground will be prepared to write citations.

Some common crossing collision causes include:

• 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.