Biloxi police officers spent three hours at two neighborhood rail crossings Wednesday as part of Operation Clear Track, a national effort to help raise awareness of the dangers of crossings.
Two officers handed out 135 informational cards to passing motorists at the Iroquois and Nixon crossings, which are referred to as “unguarded crossings,” meaning they do not have crossing bars. The crossings were chosen by Amtrak, which joined with Operation Lifesaver to organize the national effort with local law enforcement. The event took place during U.S. Rail Safety Week.
The Biloxi officers also issued five warning citations to motorists who may have not come to a complete stop at the crossing or had other issues.
Said Biloxi Police Chief John Miller, “People become complacent with railroad crossings. You drive across them so much, you do it without thinking and they can be dangerous. We thought it was a good idea to take part in this national program, and we’re glad we did.”
New warning signs: The City of Biloxi, which has 29 rail crossings, this week installed additional rail crossing warning signs to remind motorists they are approaching a rail crossing.
See the rail crossing safety cards
Read more about Operation Clear Track