Commuters Ignore Metra Crossing Warning Signs at Own Peril

Out-of-towner Laura Wilson appeared close to tears after receiving a warning from Crystal Lake police during the early commuter rush at the city’s downtown Metra station last week. 

As the 7:35 a.m. train she and her family had hurried to board left for Chicago, she surrendered her driver’s license to Officer Mike Jedlicka. The New Yorker was stunned she had been stopped for violating plainly posted signs warning of laws prohibiting pedestrian crossings when warning devices are activated due to an approaching train. 

Oblivious to the posted warning signs, Wilson walked across the tracks as warning lights flashed, railings descended, bells clanged and the train slowly approached the station. 

Her husband, Charlie, complained this would not have been an issue had they been able to purchase tickets on the southbound platform, rather than cross the tracks to get them. 

“I understand the safety rules,” he said. “But they should have someone over here for tickets.” 

Wilson was lucky she got off with a warning. Most times Jedlicka and his fellow officers ticket offenders, and it’s not because they are necessarily unaware of the laws. 

Most pedestrians who are ticketed visit the station weekdays to commute to and from Chicago jobs. Neon-colored warning signs posted at all crossings seem to be all but ignored by harried commuters.

Jedlicka makes his presence known to remind commuters the law will be enforced. He is a familiar sight to even infrequent commuters. His squad car is parked in front of the main crossing from northbound to southbound. He stands on the southbound platform in front of the crossing in full uniform. He will shout and wave his arms to get the attention of those attempting to cross from one side to another after warning signals have gone off. 

Despite this, Jedlicka said almost every day pedestrians try to run across the tracks at the last minute to catch their train. That’s when Jedlicka pulls out the ticket book.

The commuter not only misses the train as the ticket is written out, but also faces a first-time fine of $250. Repeat offenders may pay as much as $500. Community service also could be included in the sentence. 

“It’s depressing how many people continuously disregard the warnings,” he said. “I frequently yell at people to wait when people get off and don’t see another train coming.” 

Jedlicka doesn’t enjoy writing out tickets. But he takes seriously his responsibility to keep pedestrians safe at the station. 

Metra trains pulling into the station can travel anywhere from 5 to 25 mph, he said, and it’s nearly impossible for pedestrians to judge the difference in speed. 

During his three years on the beat, he’s noticed most offenses occur during the morning and afternoon commutes and he writes more tickets during the summer months than in winter. 

He’s seen people fall in their efforts to hurry across the tracks to meet the train. No one has been injured, he said, and he wants to keep it that way.

On Friday, Lake in the Hills Patch will post part two of this two-part series. Check back then to see how area commuters feel about ticketing at the Metra station.