No One Injured in Train-Vehicle Collision

A recent train accident could have resulted to at least three fatalities if only passersby did not stop to help a woman and her children trapped in their vehicle that was on the train tracks.

The unidentified woman was reportedly driving a northbound 2007 Honda Civic with her daughters, aged 7 and 10, when she fell asleep on Folsom Boulevard and drove onto a railroad track.

Witnesses and passersby were quick in getting the woman and her children out of the vehicle minutes before the passenger side of the Civic was totaled by a passing train. Neither one of the four passengers nor the train operator was hurt in the crash.

Though the train had damages, it was able to run after the debris of the crash was removed.

Train accidents often result to massive property damages or death. Luckily, no one was even slightly injured in this accident as the driver who fell asleep will be liable for her actions.

I hope next time she doesn’t put her children at risk by driving negligently. Fatigue should never be underestimated and drivers should get enough rest before they drive out the road.

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2 Men in Critical Condition after Colliding with Train

It is logical for people to stop or slow down whenever they see a train approaching. They should not endanger their lives by crossing the train’s tracks.

However, two men who did the exact opposite ended up with critical injuries when they smack right into an approaching train after crossing the tracks.

According to authorities, the two men collided with a Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BSNF) Railway train freight train after they crossed onto the oncoming train’s tracks in Anaheim.

It was reported by witnesses that the vehicle drove around the train’s crossing gates.

The vehicle was destroyed and one of the two men had to be cut out of the wreckage by the firefighters.

Both the car passenger and driver are under a critical condition at a hospital.

Meanwhile, everyone on the train was unharmed.

Train accidents may be easily avoided if only the two men waited patiently until the train has passed before crossing the tracks. On the other hand, railway companies should put additional safety devices that will stop those who are still planning to cross though there is an approaching train.

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Metrolink Crash Update

A driver should observe the highest standards of diligence and care when driving as the lives of his/her passengers lie in his/her hands.

Highest standards of diligence mean that a driver should check on the vehicle’s condition, see to it that it has enough fuel and good breaks, avoid any distractions and have enough sleep and rest.

However, Robert Sanchez, driver of the Metrolink, may have been remised on his obligations. The September 2008 crash marked as one of the worst train crashes in the history of Southern California. Twenty-five were killed and 135 were injured when it collided with a Union Pacific freight train.

The preliminary investigation on the case revealed that Sanchez was text messaging seconds before the flight. In fact, Sanchez sent and received 57 text messages while on duty that day.

The investigation also revealed that Sanchez failed to stop at the red light thereby ending on the same track as the oncoming freight train.

These discoveries may have put Metrolink and Connex Railroad to threat of payout totaling to $200 million compensation awards for the victims and their families. The two companies are now in disagreement as to which of them would be liable for the costs.

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Irresponsible use of mobile phone proves its risk again

A write-up that I have read (http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/08/20/national/a210745D25.DTL ) caused me great concern. Another young man, namely Zachariah Smith, 18, has incurred injuries after being hit by a raging train while crossing railroad tracks. In this particular case, the victim was said to be caught unaware of the coming train due to irresponsible cell phone use. This incident has happened despite the train operator’s continuous blowing to warn the kid, as stated by several witnesses.
Most train accidents occur because of the operator, engineers or train manufacturer’s negligence in performing their functions. Yet, as I saw this event, the fault was greatly on the side of the victim who was just apparently daydreaming as the witnesses described him. Hence, in my opinion, the train company has no legal obligation for the injuries inflicted by the victim.
The U.S. laws guarantee remedies only for those individuals who have been injured due to other people’s negligent doings. Suitable personal injury claims may then be filed in courts or insurance companies. If whatsoever they were able to prove the defendant’s illicit act was the cause of the harm, they will finally get their recoveries and obtain justice.
Consequently, the victim in this particular case cannot oblige the railroad authority to pay them any damages and support no matter how his family begs.
Again, the scenario, which has resulted to serious personal injuries and losses, should not have happened if only proper diligence and care was exercised. We must remember that our safety also depends on how cautious we are. Improper use of cell phones, especially when you are out on the streets is certainly dangerous as your attention to traffic might be greatly affected.
Therefore, the next time you really need use your mobile phone or cell phone, look for a safe place to stop and operate on them. This is definitely safer than simultaneously walking around while doing something else, like operating your mobile phone.

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