According to Operation Lifesaver, there were 274 railway-related deaths in 2017 and 807 injuries. Most railway-related injuries and deaths happen not to train passengers, but to motorists and pedestrians interacting unsafety with railroad tracks and trains. Most train accidents could have been prevented. Take some time to read and share the following tips that can lower the devastating statistics around train accidents.
Railway Safety Tips
- Always stop when crossing signals indicate an approaching train
- Use caution when driving or walking near train tracks. Don’t “outdrive” your headlights – many railway accidents happen because motorists were driving too fast to stop when their headlights revealed a crossing train in front of them. Always use extreme caution when driving at night or in inclement weather. Don’t play music so loud that you can’t hear the warning signals of a train or railway crossing. As a pedestrian, remember to keep your earbuds turned down to a level where you can still hear an approaching train. Never walk, jog, or sit on train tracks.
- Don’t pass vehicles when driving near a railroad crossing. You risk obstructing the view for other drivers.
- Only cross the train tracks if the signals indicate that it’s safe to do so. Before starting across the tracks, be sure there’s room to get completely across. Many drivers get trapped on the crossing or between other vehicles, and are hit by a train.
- Many crossings are on a raised surface higher than the roadway. Shifting gears with a manual transmission while going across this raised surface can cause you to stall on the tracks. Be sure to shift well ahead of or after the crossing to avoid getting stuck on the tracks!
- If you car does stall on the tracks, abandon your car with all other passengers immediately. Don’t take any items with you. Run at an angle away from the tracks, in the direction of the oncoming train. This helps reduce the chance of being injured by flying debris from the train hitting your car.
- Don’t ignore train crossing signals and warnings. According to UTC, over half of all collisions occur at crossings equipped with the automatic signals. This is a staggering and very avoidable statistic. Some drivers drive around the gates or through the flashing red lights because they think they can beat the train. Never assume you can beat a train!
- Remember that trains can’t swerve to miss you.
- Remember that trains can’t stop quickly. Even when applying the emergency break, it takes over a mile for a train to stop.
- Remember that railroad tracks create an optical illusion where the train might appear to be traveling much slower than it is.
- Remember that there might be a second train closely following.
- Never walk or stand on railway bridges or in train tunnels.
If you have been injured in a railway-related accident or a loved one has been killed in a train accident in Albuquerque, remember that you don’t have to fight alone. Whether you were a pedestrian, motorist, or train passenger, we can help. Often, train accidents are caused by negligence of some sort. The Law Office of Brian K Branch, PC can help you successfully fight for the compensation you deserve and are entitled to under law. Get started today by calling 505-207-4401 or contacting us online.
Law Office of Brian K Branch, PC
715 Marquette Ave. NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
Tel: 505-207-4401