Beating train not worth risk, BNSF "Officer on the train" Options

[CNJRoss]

Aberdeen (SD) News, 4/20:

Beating train not worth risk
Law enforcement gets unique view of public putting itself in jeopardy

Several law enforcement officers were riding on a freight train Thursday as part of a training exercise when they saw a pickup truck ignore the flashing lights at a railroad crossing and drive right over the tracks.
Immediately, an Aberdeen Police Department cruiser's lights flipped on and the officer pulled the person over on North Dakota Street.

The officers on the train were amused that someone would try to cross the tracks while a train was coming, and joked about the person getting pulled over.

But when the same scernario played out at the crossing on North Kline Street just moments later, the officers saw firsthand how often people ignore basic railroad safety.

They also saw how stressful it is for train conductors to watch people consistently make poor decisions.

"It's a gut-wrenching feeling everytime you see a car come close," conductor Nick Volk said.

Continue.

[amtrakwolverine]

Something to due but it would cost lots of money is when the gates go down and lights flash a set of spikes rise up several feet from the tracks to puncture the tires of those who try to beat the train.

[KevinKorell]

Something to due but it would cost lots of money is when the gates go down and lights flash a set of spikes rise up several feet from the tracks to puncture the tires of those who try to beat the train.

Imagine the cost of installing that at every single grade crossing! The downside is that if somebody finds they went too far onto the tracks and has to back up, they might be discouraged from doing so. And if you've seen shows with car chases, puncturing tires does not always stop a car. Those intent on continuing will drive on their rims. And it definitely won't stop a large 18-wheeler truck!

[amtrakwolverine]

not at all crossings. The ones with 4 gates 2 per side don't need them. Mostly just the ones that are deemed high risk crossings.