Sycamore Proud
The Nicks Level
This has been a problem for decades.
The Indiana Statesman
Posted: Wednesday, April 6, 2016 11:01 am | Updated: 2:04 pm, Wed Apr 6, 2016.
Nick Craft, Contributor
State University’s campus once again last week.
Train tracks located at Fifth Street and Lafayette Avenue frequently cause problems.
“I always run into this,” said Brooklyn Altheide, an ISU student. “I have to commute to campus five days a week. I’m late at least three or four times a semester.”
ISU police officers were on the scene to prevent students from crossing the tracks. This is a scene common to ISU students who park off campus and have to cross the train tracks every day to get to class.
“I can remember at least twice this year already that we’ve had to dispatch officers to the tracks because of students trying to cross stopped trains,” said Michele Barret, assistant chief of ISU police.
Although Indiana Department of Transportation regulations say trains cannot block crossings for more than 10 minutes without being fined, even a minor accident can cause a train to be stopped for hours.
“I would say I have to wait on trains in general at least four to five times a semester. It makes me late a lot and sometimes I just miss class altogether if the train completely stops,” said ISU student Brianne Huxford.
When they can’t afford to miss class, some students try to cross through the train by climbing between stopped cars, making for a dangerous situation.
“Generally, those students who have to cross tracks and have been in Terre Haute for any length of time know that you have to plan for trains,” said Kevin Ward, an instructor in the Department of Communication. “I realize it does happen, but if it happens on a regular basis, the student isn’t planning ahead well.”
Not only is it poor planning, but crossing through a stopped train is also illegal.
According to Indiana law, because railroad property is privately owned, trying to cross through stopped train cars is trespassing — a Class B misdemeanor that could be punishable by a $1,000 fine or up to 180 days in jail.
“I’ve passed through lots of times when the police aren’t there. You’re telling me that’s illegal?” ISU student Albert Gilmore said.
The Federal General Railroad Right of Way Act says that trains always have the right of way. Students who cross through the tracks may also face disciplinary action including citations, being reported to the Student Committee for Conduct and Integrity, or even being arrested for trespassing on private property, said Dan Parmer, ISU police corporal.
“We are usually just out there to prevent students from being hurt because that is our main concern. But that doesn’t mean we won’t arrest a student if they are endangering themselves or others,” Parmer said.
The Indiana Department of Transportation estimates that 500 people are killed each year while trespassing on railroad tracks.
“I know it doesn’t seem dangerous to try and get across when the train’s not moving but students just don’t realize how easy it could be to get stuck or get something caught,” Parmer said. “Once that train starts moving, there’s nothing you can do.”
The Indiana Statesman
Posted: Wednesday, April 6, 2016 11:01 am | Updated: 2:04 pm, Wed Apr 6, 2016.
Nick Craft, Contributor
State University’s campus once again last week.
Train tracks located at Fifth Street and Lafayette Avenue frequently cause problems.
“I always run into this,” said Brooklyn Altheide, an ISU student. “I have to commute to campus five days a week. I’m late at least three or four times a semester.”
ISU police officers were on the scene to prevent students from crossing the tracks. This is a scene common to ISU students who park off campus and have to cross the train tracks every day to get to class.
“I can remember at least twice this year already that we’ve had to dispatch officers to the tracks because of students trying to cross stopped trains,” said Michele Barret, assistant chief of ISU police.
Although Indiana Department of Transportation regulations say trains cannot block crossings for more than 10 minutes without being fined, even a minor accident can cause a train to be stopped for hours.
“I would say I have to wait on trains in general at least four to five times a semester. It makes me late a lot and sometimes I just miss class altogether if the train completely stops,” said ISU student Brianne Huxford.
When they can’t afford to miss class, some students try to cross through the train by climbing between stopped cars, making for a dangerous situation.
“Generally, those students who have to cross tracks and have been in Terre Haute for any length of time know that you have to plan for trains,” said Kevin Ward, an instructor in the Department of Communication. “I realize it does happen, but if it happens on a regular basis, the student isn’t planning ahead well.”
Not only is it poor planning, but crossing through a stopped train is also illegal.
According to Indiana law, because railroad property is privately owned, trying to cross through stopped train cars is trespassing — a Class B misdemeanor that could be punishable by a $1,000 fine or up to 180 days in jail.
“I’ve passed through lots of times when the police aren’t there. You’re telling me that’s illegal?” ISU student Albert Gilmore said.
The Federal General Railroad Right of Way Act says that trains always have the right of way. Students who cross through the tracks may also face disciplinary action including citations, being reported to the Student Committee for Conduct and Integrity, or even being arrested for trespassing on private property, said Dan Parmer, ISU police corporal.
“We are usually just out there to prevent students from being hurt because that is our main concern. But that doesn’t mean we won’t arrest a student if they are endangering themselves or others,” Parmer said.
The Indiana Department of Transportation estimates that 500 people are killed each year while trespassing on railroad tracks.
“I know it doesn’t seem dangerous to try and get across when the train’s not moving but students just don’t realize how easy it could be to get stuck or get something caught,” Parmer said. “Once that train starts moving, there’s nothing you can do.”
