Indiana Ranks Poorly for Highway Safety at Train Crossings

Highway safety is a priority here in Indiana. The state continues to face a major issue though—collisions between motor vehicles and trains.

Reports indicate that Indiana is ranked fifth in the nation when it comes to highway-rail grade crossings, which accounted for 90 crashes last year alone. Furthermore, the state ranked fourth in the nation when it came to fatalities caused by Indiana car accidents involving trains.

Law enforcement agencies are working to combat this problem by placing officers at track crossing to observe. According to an article from the Greenfield Reporter, several crossings were patrolled in the Terre Haute area, and one vehicle was stopped for violations at a crossing. The driver was ticketed.

Officials are also hoping to educate the public about the train crossing risks by offering statistics and facts. Most importantly, motorists should remember that trains always have the right of way at crossings. They get to pass before ambulances, fire trucks, or even police cars.

At Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin, we recognize the risks train crossings can pose. That’s why our Terre Haute personal injury lawyers are hopeful you’ll do your part by:

• Stopping- Always come to a complete stop at a train crossing, even if cross-arms, lights, and bells aren’t activated.
• Looking- Drivers should remember to glance in both directions at least twice before proceeding over a set of tracks.
• Listening- You will hear a train before you see it, so roll down your windows and turn down the stereo prior to considering crossing train tracks.