Railroad car accidents can also be a very dangerous type of accident. They can be caused from somebody who’s drowsy, somebody who’s under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can also simply put because the railroad crossing itself is unsafe. In Douglas County, Georgia, there’s been one railroad crossing where there have been numerous car accidents there and that’s been due primarily to where the asphalt is uneven when it meets the actual roadway crossing itself.
Also, there’s been a gap between the roadway and the railroad ties themselves, where vehicles have become stalled on the tracks. Indeed, one woman, unfortunately, was taken to the hospital in serious condition after her vehicle became stalled on the tracks and was struck by the train and flipped over several times. Several problems can happen at railroad crossings such as improper grading, lights malfunctioning, the arms of the tracks actually not functioning properly, as well as vegetation that covers or hides the railroad crossing.
Poor lighting at night is a really a significant problem too. Operation Lifesaver, in fact, says that people involved in train accidents are 20 more times likely to experience a fatality than someone who’s been involved in a car accident with another vehicle. If for whatever reason you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident involving a railroad crossing or you know of somebody or a neighbor, a friend or relative has been, please contact my office with any questions that you might have at 770-792-1000.