FORT LAUDERDALE, FL –Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO) announce the launch of Operation Crossing Guard. Operation Crossing Guard is a traffic enforcement action that will run from June 6 through June 17 at railroad crossings along the Florida East Coast Railway/Brightline corridor throughout Broward County. The goal of the operation is to address railway fatalities involving motorists and pedestrians through enforcement in hopes of reducing the number of crashes, enforcing traffic laws and continuing efforts to educate the public about the dangers of trying to beat the train. The operation will  amplify rail safety education to motorists and pedestrians.

 

The launch of Operation Crossing Guard will be held on Friday, June 3, at the Brightline Fort Lauderdale station with a press conference at 11 a.m. where media can hear from the BSO Public Information Officers and Brightline representatives.

 

During the operation, BSO deputies, police officers and troopers will patrol near railroad crossings and cite drivers who drive around lowered safety arms, stop on railroad tracks or commit other moving violations. Drivers cited could receive fines ranging from $115 to $205.

 

Law enforcement and Brightline remind pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists to stop, look and listen when crossing railroad tracks. When a train is approaching, never go around the lowered safety arms. Do not underestimate the speed of the train. It may be traveling faster and closer than you think. 

 

Important safety tips provided by Brightline, including an explanation of railroad signs and a pledge to stay safe around railroad crossings, can be found here in English, Spanish and Creole. Safety tips provided by Operation Lifesaver can be found here.

 

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About Brightline

Brightline is the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America. The company currently serves Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach with its Orlando station beginning service in 2023. Brightline was recognized by Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies in travel, offering a guest-first experience designed to reinvent train travel and take cars off the road. Brightline plans to bring its award-winning service to additional city pairs and congested corridors across the country that are too close to fly and too long to drive, with immediate plans to connect Las Vegas to Southern California. For more information, visit www.gobrightline.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.