(a) The Commissioner of Transportation shall investigate the operating and manning of passenger and freight trains and make such orders, regulations or recommendations as, upon investigation, the commissioner deems necessary for the safety and protection of the public or of the employees of any railroad company operating such trains. Any railroad company that fails to comply with any valid order of the commissioner shall be fined not more that one thousand dollars for each offense and be liable in double damages for any resulting injury or damages to any person.
(b) In the event of an accident involving personal injury or affecting the public safety occurring on any of its property or involving any of its equipment, a railroad company shall notify the commissioner as soon as possible after the accident. Any notice given orally shall be confirmed in writing within five days. Any railroad company that fails to comply with this subsection shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars for each offense.