(The following appeared at KAALtv.com on September 10.)
ROCHESTER, Minn. — More than 20 people were ticketed Wednesday during a railroad crossing sting in the south metro.
Savage and Shakopee Police partnered with Union Pacific Railroad to crackdown on those trying to beat the train. Officers road the rails Wednesday, keeping in constant communication with squads on the street.
During the one-day sting they found dozens of cars, motorcycles and even pedestrians ignoring the flashing lights and crossing arms trying to beat the trains. They want people to know how dangerous that can be.
“The locomotion you are riding today for example weighs 416,000 pounds. If a locomotive or a train would strike your vehicle it would be like you walking up and kicking a pop can,” said Michael Hatfield with Union Pacific Railroad.
Hatfield said because of a train’s heavy weight it cannot stop very quickly, even if the conductor sees you ahead.
“Don’t try to beat our trains. It’s not worth the three minutes it takes for the train to clear the crossing. Stop, wait and go about your business. But don’t race us. It is a losing battle,” said Hatfield.