Technology May Help Drivers Bypass Train Traffic.
Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2023 11:40 pm
Technology is being put in place in Elkhart County to warn drivers of blocked railroad crossings, so they can go to an open one and not have to wait. This will be helpful to first responders as well.
https://wsbt.com/news/local/technology- ... lc-indiana#
When the Prairie Street Overpass opened a few years ago, it brought some relief to downtown Elkhart when it comes to blocked crossings. I've been to Elkhart before when Main St. was blocked for over 30 minutes by trains going into and out of the rail yard.
The problem with this is new technology to show blocked crossings is that the info goes to a website, and people have to illegally use their phones to access the information while they are behind the wheel. Indiana is a "hands-free" state, and it is illegal to have a cell phone in your hands while you are operating your vehicle. I believe this even includes if you are parked at a railroad crossing or red light. As long as you are behind the wheel with the key in the ingnition and the motor running, you are operating that vehicle.
https://www.mcneelylaw.com/understandin ... e%20Law%20(Ind,device%20while%20operating%20a%20vehicle.
https://wsbt.com/news/local/technology- ... lc-indiana#
When the Prairie Street Overpass opened a few years ago, it brought some relief to downtown Elkhart when it comes to blocked crossings. I've been to Elkhart before when Main St. was blocked for over 30 minutes by trains going into and out of the rail yard.
The problem with this is new technology to show blocked crossings is that the info goes to a website, and people have to illegally use their phones to access the information while they are behind the wheel. Indiana is a "hands-free" state, and it is illegal to have a cell phone in your hands while you are operating your vehicle. I believe this even includes if you are parked at a railroad crossing or red light. As long as you are behind the wheel with the key in the ingnition and the motor running, you are operating that vehicle.
https://www.mcneelylaw.com/understandin ... e%20Law%20(Ind,device%20while%20operating%20a%20vehicle.