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What are some railway safety tips to help avoid train accidents?

On Behalf of | Jul 15, 2015 | Train Accidents |

We are all familiar with railroad crossings and many of us drive through them each day. However, many Oklahoma residents may have wondered about additional safety precautions tips to help prevent a train accident when encountering a railroad crossing. Train accidents can cause significant harm to victims, which is why understanding railway safety and options victims may have is of high importance.

It is important to keep in mind that trains do not run on a consistent schedule and can be travelling on railroad tracks at any time and in any direction. The average freight train can weigh between 12 and 20 million pounds and take greater than a mile to stop. Because of the distance and time needed for a train to fully stop, it is important to yield the right of way to passing trains. Drivers should always make sure all railway tracks are clear before proceeding through a railway crossing.

It is also helpful to remember not to pass near railway crossings, and if your vehicle becomes stalled on railroad tracks it is important to exit the vehicle immediately and to run at an angle in the direction of the approaching train. Drivers should remember to remain alert, especially in situations when train signals may be malfunctioning, and remember that it is difficult to estimate the speed of a train. Keeping in mind that railroads are private property, victims of train accidents may have different legal options to consider if they are injured in a train accident.

Depending on the circumstances, a number of different parties may be liable for an accident that is wrongfully caused by railway workers, companies or staff. As is true of all personal injury claims, victims who have suffered harm because of the negligence or carelessness of another party may be able to receive compensation for damages they unexpectedly suffered in a train accident.

Source: IN.gov, “Railroad Crossing Safety Tips,” Accessed July 13, 2015