Fatal Crash: Driver Hits DART Train, Leaving 1 Dead, 4 Injured

A DART train.Photo byMetro News

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Tragically, one someone has lost their life, and four others suffered wounds following a crash between a driver and a DART train in Dallas on Monday night, as documented by officials.

A Green Line train was traveling south a little before 7 p.m. and was just reaching the Metropolitan Avenue grade crossing when the collision occurred, said Jeamy Molina, a DART spokeswoman.

As noted by Molina, warning light indicators were flashing, and the crossing gate at the railway crossing was down. The driver who lost his life was identified as 67-year-old Michael Kelly. According to the medical examiner's report, the four injured people were riding the train.

Current Safety Measures

Guaranteeing safety measures, good training, and attention can greatly reduce the risks associated with this tragedy. Understanding the importance of following safety guidelines at railway crossings, platforms, and onboard trains can be lifesaving for the general public.

Do not get stuck on the tracks. If you do get stuck on the tracks, leave your vehicle.

Right-of-way

Rules about transit train crossings vary due to factors, such as engagement in other places like intersections, public thoroughfares, and private driveways.

In conditions, where transit trains share the roadway with other types of road users, they do not acquire the right of way at crossings and crossroads. They generally follow the same traffic regulations as regular vehicles.

When a light or passenger train runs on a fixed route or along a street or railway with restricted access, and only crosses at specified grade crossing points, the light rail vehicles generally hold priority over other users of the roadway.

At light or passenger train crossings where the crossing is separated by features such as a bridge or underpass or is protected by a fence or traffic barrier without traffic control devices, cars, and other traffic are not permitted.

Analysis of the accident

It was reported that the driver went around the gate and hit the train. Four people on the train suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene,

Proposed Solutions

A more robust barrier preventing motorists from driving around the gate could be a solution. Another solution may be to design the crossing gates to prevent vehicles from circumventing them.

conclusion

Disasters happen when safety measures are not followed. The catastrophe above resulted from not following the law and ignoring safety measures.

Reference

Search Medical Examiner Public Information by case number or name. The name is Michael Kelly. The case number is IFS-24-07918

Dallas County Medical Examiner Public Information

Metro News

NHTSA

Rail Pros