Traffic cameras to be installed at railroad crossings in Socorro

Most drivers stop at railroad crossings when they see the arms down and flashing red lights, but officials with the City of Socorro say that's not the case at their railroad crossings, and that is why they are planning on installing Red Flag Cameras.

It is against the law for drivers to stop closer than 15 feet from the rail crossing when a train is passing, and they must wait for the crossing gates to completely go up or the lights to stop flashing before crossing through the intersection.

Alejandro Vidales, a Socorro municipal judge, said, "We've had a lot of close calls where we've had a couple of trucks that have gotten hit, but no deaths. We want to be proactive and not reactive and try to prevent these accidents."

After partnering with Union Pacific officials and launching Operation Safe and Clear, a program to educate the public about railroad laws, the City of Socorro found drivers breaking these laws was a widespread problem.

Vidales said, "A lot of people don't understand that once those lights are flashing, that's a red light. Most people think that the arms aren't down yet, but the lights are going. I can get through the intersection.' Some just grow impatient and drive around the arms to beat the train."

Johnny Rivera, a Socorro resident, said he has witnessed this first-hand.

"Socorro is getting more congested, so when drivers are waiting for the trains to go by, people try to take shortcuts. They'll go around the crossing-arms," he said.

That's why officials have decided to install Red Flag Cameras that work much like red light traffic cameras.

"It takes a picture and then it will come to one of our officers, then that officer will decide, 'Yes, it's a violation' or, 'No, it's not a violation,' and then from there it'll be processed in my court," said Vidales.

The city plans to install the cameras at Nevarez Road, Moon Drive, Rio Vista Drive, Horizon Boulevard and Bauman Road. Some drivers feel it's a good idea.

Jorge Diaz said," Maybe they'll be a little bit more patient because they'll know they'll be ticketed if they cross over the railroad tracks."

Vidales said the city has not decided how much fines will be, but they could be up to $300. Their intention is not to punish drivers, but to promote safety.

"It might make someone pause and say, 'I may get a citation' or, 'I may get a fine,' and just that extra second that they take to pause then, hopefully, you know, all is safe and clear to cross," said Vidales.

Despite the threat of a ticket or fine, others feel the Red Flag Cameras won't work.

"No, no,I've seen it. When a driver is impatient, you can't stop them from doing anything," said Rivera.

The city has not set an exact date when all the cameras will be up, but said the first camera will be installed at Moon Drive.

KFOX14 has reported on issues at railroad crossings when arms where down for an extended amount of time and a train never came through, forcing drivers to go around the arms. City officials said in this case, a picture would still be taken and drivers would have to explain what happened in court.