Prosperity, South Carolina Truck vs. Train Collision
Thankfully, no one was seriously injured in a July 16, 2008, collision between a CSX train and a big rig pulling an empty trailer. Witness statements indicate that the signals were flashing and the driver stopped, but then tried to beat the train. The train struck the trailer of the rig, which probably spared serious injuries. The truck driver told investigators he did not see the warnings or the train. The driver was cited for disregarding a railroad crossing signal. In addition to destroying the trailer, the collision damaged the crossing signal and caused electrical damage to the train.
Think about the last time you saw a truck try to accelerate from a stop or slow speed. Even with an empty trailer, trucks just aren’t designed for quick acceleration. That shows just how foolish it is for a tractor-trailer driver to try to speed up to beat a train. I’m not suggesting anyone should try to beat a train, just that a truck has a worse than average chance of succeeding at a foolish stunt like this.
Trying to beat a train endangers not only the life of the driver of the vehicle, it also endangers the lives of the train crew and of bystanders that could be struck by a derailed train or flying debris. Drivers of tractor trailers have a special responsibility to the motoring public due to the sheer size of the vehicle they are driving.
Thanks to the Newberry, SC, Observer for reporting.
South Carolina attorney Michael Jeffcoat represents people and families after someone has been seriously injured or killed.
