25 August 2010

Charges Laid in Train Collision

You too can play "Beat the Train"!  LUCKY losers such as this person will
lose only their money.

Okotoks Alberta - An Okotoks woman is facing charges after trying, and failing, to beat a train last Thursday.
 
RCMP Sergeant Ian Shardlow says the crossing signals and lights were working at the time. "We believe this was an intentional act. She was aware of the crossing and tried to beat the train. We believe that at this point the driver was aware that the signals were going and simply, you know basically made a bad choice. Fortunately the injuries weren't more serious than they were."
 
Shardlow confirms charges have been laid against the forty-year old woman. "We have laid charges in the matter. Beverly Catherine Ryan of Okotoks was charged with one count under The Use of Highways and Rules of Road Regulations for Failing to Stop Properly at a Railway Crossing When The Electrical, Mechanical, or Signal Device Gives Warning."
 
The passenger in the vehicle, believed to be a relative of the driver, was taken to hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Her status is currently unknown.
 
The repercussions can be serious says Shardlow. Right now, Ryan is looking at charges, a ticket, and likely driver demerit points. Shardlow is unable to comment on possible civil action, but says CP Rail may try to recoup any losses associated with the incident. Had the injuries been more serious, he says Ryan could also have faced criminal charges.
 
Shardlow urges drivers to exercise patience at railway crossings.
 
Trying to save a little time is just not worth the risk says Shardlow, "We can't stress enough how dangerous that is. The comparison of a train hitting a car is similar to your car running over a pop can, so when those signals and stuff are going it's simply not worth the few seconds or minute or so that the train will take to cross to run it."
 
Ryan is scheduled to appear in Court on 27 Sep 2010.