GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) — Railroad traffic safety took center stage Tuesday in the Green Bay Police Department’s (GBPD) latest Operation Lifesaver initiative.
GBPD joined forces with Watco, the parent company of the Fox Valley and Lake Superior Rail System, for a program called “Officer on the Train” to educate the public on railroad traffic safety.
“Every year, we usually average six to 10 fatalities of people hit by trains. These events are important because it only takes one slip up to cause a lot of fatalities. That’s why making people aware that trains can cause a lot of harm, we have to continue to get our message out,” said Don Vruwink, Wisconsin’s railroad commissioner.
Three GBPD members were involved in the “Officer on the Train” effort. One officer rode in the train to observe drivers’ behaviors, and the other two officers were placed on each side of the tracks.
If the officer on the train witnesses a safety concern, the other two officers will be notified, and they will then attempt to make contact with the driver to educate them on the importance of stopping for an oncoming train.
GBPD said Wednesday the initiative resulted in nine traffic stops, including two citations and nine warnings.
There was also a single, low-speed vehicle vs. train crash which occurred when an SUV continued forward toward the tracks as the locomotive was backing up. The crash resulted in no injuries and minor damage to the vehicle. The driver was cited for failure to stop for a railroad crossing signal.
The program took place along North Quincy Street between Eastman Avenue and Radisson Street. Approximately 25 to 30 near misses between trains and vehicles have been reported by Watco at this location has since the start of the year.
“This is about compliance. We [were] not looking to cite drivers, but rather make them aware of what could be a fatal or serious injury crash,” GBPD Captain Clint Beguhn said. “We understand that trains can slow us down from arriving at our destination at the time that we had planned, but please take the time to stop and wait. It may be lifesaving.”
