On February 4, a dramatic collision occurred in the suburb of Layton, Salt Lake City, when a FrontRunner train operated by the Utah Transit Authority collided with an SUV. The SUV had been stopped on the train tracks after being rear-ended by a truck. As the crossing arms descended, the SUV driver attempted to reverse out of danger. Unfortunately, the train, traveling at 67 miles per hour, applied its emergency brakes but could only reduce its speed to 32 miles per hour by the time of impact. Despite efforts to stop, the train struck the vehicle.
The incident, reported by Fernando Cervantes Jr. of USA TODAY, highlights the challenges faced by trains in stopping quickly. Trains cannot swerve to avoid obstacles and may require over a mile to come to a complete halt, depending on their speed and weight. In this case, the train's size and velocity made it impossible to avert the collision with the SUV. The Utah Transit Authority later released a video capturing the dramatic moment of impact, underscoring the severity of such accidents.
Significant damage was inflicted on the train, with estimates reaching six figures. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for vigilance near train tracks. Experts emphasize that both drivers and pedestrians must exercise heightened awareness in these areas. In situations where vehicles find themselves trapped on tracks, immediate action is vital.
"It's crucial for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians to be hyper-aware near train tracks and crossings."
Authorities advise that if a vehicle becomes stuck on the tracks while crossing arms are down, drivers should push through the arms if necessary. The arms are designed to break away with minimal damage compared to being struck by a train.
"If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, please push through the crossing arms. The arms are designed to break away and while it may cause some minor damage to your vehicle, it's much less than being struck by a train."
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