San Diego County CA– The Sheriff’s Railroad Enforcement Unit (REU) wants to raise awareness about driver safety at railroad crossings in San Diego County. Deputies from the Encinitas and Vista Sheriff’s Station will be out in full force at various train crossings on Tuesday, June 3rd, which is International Crossing Awareness Day, to enforce rail safety laws.
Two specific locations include:
Washington Street Crossing – W. Washington Street and Frontage Road
San Diego 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Sorrento Boulevard Crossing – Sorrento Valley Boulevard and Sorrento Valley Road
Sorrento Valley 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Drivers caught not observing the warning signs at these rail crossings during the enforcement period MAY be cited. Deputies will also talk to them about rail laws and safety.
Operation Lifesaver, a non-profit organization devoted to raising awareness about rail safety, reports a person or car is hit by a train every three hours in the United States. In addition, 95 percent of deadly train incidents involve drivers and/or pedestrians going through a closed crossing.
Here are a few tips you should follow if you are around railroad tracks:

• Never walk on tracks. It is illegal to trespass and highly dangerous.
• Cross train tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings.
• Stay alert around railroad tracks. Do not text, use your cell phone, wear headphones or take part in any activity that could distract you from hearing an approaching train.
• Do not cross or drive through a railroad crossing when warning devices are activated.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, in partnership with the North County Transit District, created the Railroad Enforcement Unit (REU) to oversee the safety and security of the public and railroad employees, as well as railroad property and equipment. The unit works with local government and law enforcement agencies while investigating railroad incidents.