Waller County Crash Prompts Look into Railway Crossing Safety

October 04, 2012

This September, a Waller County man died after his pick-up truck rolled onto railway tracks in front of an upcoming train. While an investigation of the crash is ongoing, the event prompts a discussion about Texas railway crossing safety.

Tragedy on Waller County Train Tracks

The fatal motor vehicle crash occurred in early September. A Waller County man died when a train collided with his pick-up truck. The train sounded its horn as the pick-up truck rolled onto the tracks in front of it. Unfortunately, the train was unable to stop in time.

Train-versus-car accidents never have a positive outcome. When trains collide with passenger vehicles, the car, truck or sport utility vehicle is always on the losing end. The train-to-car weight ratio is similar to the weight ratio between a car and a soda can. Imagine a car hitting a can of soda, and the devastation that occurs when a train collides with a passenger vehicle becomes tragically clear.

In addition to the dramatic difference in weight, trains also require a long distance to come to a complete stop. A freight train travelling at 55 miles per hour will need the equivalent length of 18 football fields to stop completely.

Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety

Unfortunately, thousands of accidents between trains and cars occur every year in the United States. In about 3,000 annual accidents, 300 to 400 people died and over 1,100 people reported injuries. There are over a quarter-million highway-rail grade crossings in the country. These crossings occur where the road and rails are on the same grade, as is often the case when railways cross roadways.

Fortunately, drivers can reduce their chances of being involved in a collision with a train if they follow some safety tips:
- Always expect an approaching train when at a railway crossing. This assumption should guide driving behavior at the crossing, especially if the crossing is not controlled.
- Obey all traffic control devices at railway crossings to avoid collisions with trains. This includes stopping when a guardrail is down and crossing only at designated crossing points.
-Hang up the cellphone and turn down the radio when crossing a railway to stay alert and listen for a train's whistle.

When crossing railroad tracks in traffic, drivers should never put themselves in a position where they are left sitting on the tracks. Drivers should always wait until there is enough room to completely clear the tracks.

In the event that a vehicle stalls on the tracks, drivers should immediately leave the vehicle and run away from it towards the general direction of the oncoming train. Though it sounds counterintuitive, this move will help occupants avoid debris in the event a train collides with their vehicle.

Passenger vehicles are always on the losing end in collisions with trains. If you or a loved has been involved in an accident with a train, please contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand any compensation to which you may be entitled.

Article provided by The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd
Visit us at www.altontodd.com