Update – First Ever Tri-County Enforcement Effort for Rail Safety Week

Update

WHAT:       RESULTS of PBSO FEC and CSX Railways Enforcement
WHEN:       September 19, 2022 – September 25, 2022
TIME:         7:00 am to 1:00 pm

September 19, 2022

Brightline Partners with South Florida Law Enforcement Agencies to educate and enforce railroad safety

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Sept. 19, 2022) – Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, is partnering with the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, Broward Sheriff’s Office and the Miami-Dade Police Department, to launch a tri-county enforcement effort for National Rail Safety Week – a first for the tri-county enforcement agencies. The announcement was made during a press conference at Brightline’s Fort Lauderdale station on Monday, Sept. 19, at 11 a.m. which included enforcement representatives from the tri-county area and the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority.

“Our law enforcement partners are taking action along the railroad tracks and keeping our communities safe,” said Patrick Goddard, president at Brightline. “We remain relentless about rail safety and are hopeful that these ongoing efforts will continue reducing incidents and educating people about the importance of staying safe around active railroad tracks.”

National Rail Safety Week is spearheaded by Operation Lifesaver, a national nonprofit dedicated to rail safety education and awareness. During National Rail Safety Week, each law enforcement agency representing the key counties in South Florida will be stepping up enforcement along the corridor by educating and enforcing safety practices along the train tracks. Previous efforts by these agencies have totaled approximately 1,000 citations.

“We’ve seen too many incidents of drivers ignoring railway safety signs and attempting to drive around railway safety crossing arms, costing people their lives and leaving others injured,” Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony said. “With Broward County roadways as busy as ever, it’s vital to educate motorists on making safe decisions while driving near the 92 railroad crossings in Broward County. BSO deputies are taking a zero-tolerance approach to Operation Lifesaver in order to do just that – save lives.”

“The Miami-Dade Police Department remains committed in the collaboration with Brightline and our law enforcement partners in educating our community in railroad safety,” said Miami-Dade County Police Chief Christopher Carothers

Brightline continues investing in advanced safety measures focused on enforcement, education and engineering. The company has invested tens of millions of dollars in infrastructure along the South Florida corridor which include enhancements on several safety initiatives such as the addition of red light cameras, channelization through community greening projects and partnerships with local schools and organizations, including 211 and Operation Lifesaver.

In August, Brightline and a bipartisan coalition of congressional officials announced a grant award from the United States Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program to enhance safety along the Florida East Coast Railway/Brightline corridor between Miami-Dade and Brevard counties. The $45 million investment project will construct at least 33 miles of pedestrian protection features and supplemental safety measures at 328 grade crossings. The scope of work will include rail dynamic envelopes, delineators, raised pavement markers, edge striping, fencing and additional safety signage in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Brevard Counties.

Brightline was also awarded a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grant to add additional safety infrastructure at 48 crossings between Miami and West Palm Beach. This $5.6 million program will add exit gates, digital warning signs, striping and delineators to crossings. As part of this program, Brightline is installing 9 permanent digital message signs in Broward and Palm Beach counties that include rail safety information and suicide prevention messaging, directing those in need to call 211.

        8 Rail Safety Quick Tips

• The train you see is closer and faster-moving than you think.
• Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly.
• Never drive around lowered gates — it’s illegal and deadly.
• At a multiple track crossing waiting for a train to pass, watch out for a second train on the other tracks, approaching from either direction.
• Do not get trapped on the tracks; proceed through a grade crossing only if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping.
• If your vehicle ever stalls on the tracks, get out and get away from the tracks, even if you do not see a train. Locate the Emergency Notification System sign and call the number provided.
• When you need to cross train tracks, go to a designated crossing, look both ways, and cross the tracks quickly, without stopping. It isn’t safe to stop closer than 15 feet from a rail.
• ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN!