Be Safe! Prevent Train Accidents in Texas
According to an article on KWTX.com, two men were killed in Clifton, Texas on Thursday, April 1, 2010 when a train struck a pickup truck towing a trailer. The Department of Public Safety investigated the accident, which occurred on County Road 3221 off FM 1991. The driver appeared to have traveled around a railroad crossing sign before the collision. Witnesses indicated that the impact caused the trailer to overturn. No further information was provided.
Although not as common as car accidents, train accidents in Texas can often be destructive. Common railroad accidents are caused by mechanical failures, derailments, improperly maintained tracks, driver fatigue and collisions with passenger vehicles. Drivers and pedestrians should be aware of trains and take care to prevent an accident. Here are a few train accident prevention tips from the Federal Railroad Administration that can help save your life:
- Expect a train to come at anytime on any track regardless of signs.
- Trains cannot stop quickly. Once the emergency brake is activated, trains can take a mile or more before being able to stop.
- Keep an eye out for second or third trains at multiple track crossings.
- If your car stalls on the tracks, get out of the vehicle and walk away at a 45-degree angle toward the direction the train is coming so as to ensure that debris will not injure you.
- Trains are three feet wider than the tracks on each side. So, be sure to leave enough space between your vehicle and the crossing.
- Do not cross tracks unless there is a designated railroad crossing.
