Tennessee Takes Safety at Railroad Crossings Seriously
Some of the most devastating motor vehicle accidents occur when passenger vehicles are struck by trains. Trains are so much bigger and heavier than cars, and they are often unable to stop in time to avoid a collision with a vehicle that is on the railroad tracks.
All railroad crossings are not designed in the same way, and some crossings are more effective at preventing accidents than others are. After a fatal accident occurred last summer, safety improvements were discussed for the railroad crossing located at the intersection of U.S. 27 and Mountain View Road in Harriman. The Roane County Highway Department recently received a federal grant to make safety improvements at that railroad crossing. Some of the changes that will be made to the railroad crossing include installing flashing lights and placing signs farther back on U.S. 27 to give drivers more advance notice of the crossing. Mountain View Road will be repaved as part of the safety improvements in the area, and the railroad crossing signs on that road will be moved closer to the residential area.
The benefits of improvements
Safety improvements at railroad crossings can help prevent deadly train and passenger vehicle accidents. Increasing driver awareness of the risks posed by railroad crossings is another way that tragic accidents can be prevented. If you are driving near a railroad crossing, remember that trains do not always run on a fixed schedule. As you approach any railroad crossing, act as if you could possibly encounter a train there. If you see the lights begin to flash or the crossing gate begin to lower, do not speed up under any circumstances. Stop immediately and wait for the train to pass through and the lights or gate to indicate that it is safe to cross the tracks. Also, be sure to look both ways before crossing the tracks because trains can approach a crossing from either direction.
If an accident involving a passenger vehicle and a train has injured you, the experienced personal injury lawyers of Bailey & Greer, PLLC are here to help you. If you have been in a car crash involving a train, please call us at 901-680-9777 to discuss your case during a free consultation.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
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