A Nashville man was seriously injured in late April when a train collided with his car during a morning drive. The man’s vehicle was pushed a quarter of a mile by the train. Security footage of the train crossing shows lights flashing at the intersection. Despite the lights, the driver showed no signs of slowing down. Fortunately, he is expected to survive.
Locals near that train crossing have seen several train-car collisions at that spot in recent years. One resident pointed out that people unfamiliar with the area often don’t notice the train tracks. They have been asking for the city to install crossing arms for years, but so far, no action has been taken.
UNSAFE TRAIN CROSSINGS IN NASHVILLE
Every day and a half in the United States, someone dies in a train-car collision. It is a common myth that these train accidents are always caused when a driver attempts to beat a train across the tracks. Yes, accidents like that do happen, but not every train accident is the fault of drivers speeding to beat the train. It is not always possible to see an approaching train. Trees, vegetation, buildings and other structures can block the driver’s view of approaching trains. On multi-track crossings, sometimes parked trains or rail cars can obscure tracks from view.
Some rail crossings are extra-hazardous in that they do not have adequate safety measures to notify drivers of approaching trains. When collisions occur at these crossings, rail companies, municipal entities, etc. can be held liable for accidents.
Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”