Unfortunately, light rail and commuter rail accidents are not confined to Charlotte or anywhere else. This week a Capital Metro Red Line commuter train (Stadler Railcar) hit a motorist in northwest Austin. The driver, a early thirties father, was killed, and his two children were hurt badly. The motorist was using an unprotected private road crossing. A witness said that the engineer sounded his horn shortly before reaching the crossing, but for undetermined reasons the driver ignored it, did not hear it, and probably did not see the train.
What is it that causes many people (seemingly) to challenge a train at a crossing? It got so bad in north Texas that the Trinity Railway Express had to elevate a significant portion of the track through Irving, Texas because of so many accidents, a few of which were fatal.
Update:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/04/27/3201628/cats-car-light-rail-wreck-unusual.html
The Jeep’s driver, 28-year-old William Parshall Huntington of Charlotte, was charged with driving while impaired and reckless driving.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Rear ended into the light rail? That is one reason I try to stop 50 ft backi of active crossing gates. Another reason is possible loose lading. Wonder if rear ender talking / testing on cell phone ??
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/04/25/3199105/light-rail-train-and-vehicle-collide.html
A vehicle and light rail train collided Wednesday night at the intersection of Remount Road and South Boulevard.
Police and paramedics crews were on scene of the crash about 9 p.m. According to reports from Medic, four possible patients needed transport to hospitals.
Remount Road was closed in both directions at 9:15 p.m. No other details were immediately
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