Many area residents rely on the Tri-Rail to get to where they need to be quickly, efficiently and safely. While this is usually what happens, tragedy recently struck. According to The Miami Herald, riders were brought to a screeching halt after the train slammed into a man who was crossing the tracks between NW 6th Street and Sunrise Boulevard around 7 a.m.
The pedestrian was killed in the Fort Lauderdale train accident. According to Deanna Garcia, a spokeswoman with the Ft. Lauderdale Police Department, the accident happened only because the man didn’t get across the tracks in time. Officials report the train attempted to make a safe stop well before the scene of the collision, but was unable to do so avoid the man.
Our Fort Lauderdale commuter rail accident lawyers understand that railroad crossings are a dangerous place for everyone, including passengers, pedestrians and motorists. The Tri-Rail system is a 72-mile track that runs parallel to Interstate 95 between West Palm Beach and Miami. It serves three major airports – Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Along these routes, there are nearly 20 stations. The South Florida train system not only serves as a convenient mode of transportation, but is also serves as a dangerous obstacle for drivers and pedestrians if you’re not careful. To help to keep travelers safe, our South Florida accident attorneys here to offer your some railroad crossing tips to help you to avoid a serious and potentially fatal railroad crossing accident.
Nationwide, a person or a vehicle is hit by a train about every three hours. The state of Florida ranks in as the 7th most dangerous place for fatal traffic accidents involving cars and trains. According to Federal Railroad Association (FRA) statistics, “highway-rail grade crossing collisions and pedestrian trespass on tracks together account for over 95% of all railroad fatalities.”
Railroad Crossing Safety Tips:
-Approach a railroad crossing with care, even when you don’t see an any signs of a train coming.
-Always be ready to stop for a train. When approaching train tracks, you should shut off your radio, take off your head phones, hang up the phone, roll down you windows, look and listen for a train coming.
-Always check right, left and right again for an oncoming train before crossing the tracks.
-If you see a train that is approaching, stay a minimum of 15 feet away from the tracks.
-Once you start to cross the tracks, keep going. Even if the warning lights start flashing and the warning gates start to go down.
-Remember that the cars of a train extend at least 3 feet beyond the rails. Keep yourself and your vehicle out of this area.
-Remember that trains appear to be approaching slower than they actually are.
Freeman & Mallard is a personal injury and wrongful death law firm dedicated to helping residents who have been injured in train accidents in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and the Port St. Lucie/Fort Pierce areas. Call today for a free consultation. 1-800-529-2368.
More Blog Entries:
South Florida train accident a reminder of Florida’s deadly railroad crossings, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, September 1, 2010
Florida railroad crossing accidents a frequent tragedy; state ordered to improve safety, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, July 9, 2010