Car Stuck on the Train Tracks in Orangeburg; Police Say Drugs, Alcohol were Factors

Mary M. Kobes of Paramus NJ is due in Orangetown Court Nov. 18 to answer a charge of driving while impaired by drugs and alcohol.

Kobes, 41, was driving a Toyota Corolla when she made a right turn onto the CSX railroad tracks at the Highview Avenue crossing in Orangeburg Nov. 4.

Police found the car about 15 yards north of the crossing, which is how far Kobes got before the car’s undercarriage got hung up on the rails.

The Orangetown Police Department immediately notified CSX to stop all train traffic near the area.

The officers talked to the driver, who indicated that she had become confused and disorientated while driving and accidently made a right turn onto the railroad tracks and got stuck. They then conducted field sobriety checks.

Kobes was arrested and taken to Nyack Hospital where she consented to a blood test to determine the alcohol/drug content of her blood.

Meanwhile, her Corolla was towed from the tracks and impounded, and CSX resumed normal train operations.

She was taken to OPD Headquarters where she was charged with DWAI Drugs/alcohol (misdemeanor) and traffic infractions for making an improper turn and obstructing a railroad crossing. She was released to a friend at 11:45 pm.