Choo! Choo! Train a comin’….
Always be safe when a train comes your way.
Florida is railroad country! Whether you’re driving and come to a railroad crossing or you’re walking along the railroad tracks, there are some safety precautions that you need to follow so that you don’t get hit by a train. Even during the daylight, train engineers might not be able to see you clearly while you’re on the side of the tracks. This is why you need to pay attention to the lights and the sounds that come with trains so that you can be sure to move a good distance from the tracks.While you’re in the car, pay attention to the tracks as you are approaching the area. You can usually see a large train in the distance and gauge whether your vehicle can make it over the tracks before the crossing arms are lowered. If you see that the arms are lowered or that there are red lights over the tracks, you need to stop and wait for the train to pass. Remember that there are times when crossing guards might malfunction, so proceed cautiously!
Even if the train has stopped a short distance up the track, it could become mobile in a short time with no warning. Listen for horns blowing as this is often a signal that the train is approaching a crossing area. The Tampa attorneys at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore can help in a case that involves injuries or a death resulting from a collision with a train.
If you’re walking along the railroad tracks at night, wear clothing that is visible to others, in bright colors such as reflective orange or yellow. Never cross the tracks for any reason until you get to a safe area, such as the crossing bars. You don’t want to risk getting a shoe or a foot stuck on the rails while seeing a train coming down the track. Even if you see a train pass you, there could be another behind it that you don’t hear because of all the noise from the train that just passed. A Florida railroad accident lawyer can offer assistance if you are injured by a train while walking, or can help families who have had loved ones die due to train injuries. Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore is here to help.
