GRAIN TRUCK DRIVER KILLED AT TRAIN CROSSING
Summary
On a clear fall Wednesday
afternoon, at 3:45 p.m., a 69 year-old driver of a semi-trailer loaded with
soybeans was killed when he turned off a two lane state highway and into a farm
driveway, directly into the path of an oncoming freight train.
The train and truck were
both travelling west on parallel pathways; the truck driver was struck on the
blind spot of his cab’s passenger side by the train. The truck driver was not
wearing his seatbelt and was ejected from the cab.
The train finally came to a
stop at the next intersection, approximately a half a mile down the tracks.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
To prevent future
occurrences of similar incidents, the following recommendations have been made:
·
Recommendation No. 1: When approaching train tracks, truck drivers
and farmers should obey all traffic guidelines and regulations pertaining to railroad
track crossings.
·
Recommendation No. 2: Drivers should always wear seat belts while
operating any vehicle.
·
Recommendation No. 3: Crossings should be marked and guard arms
installed at all crossings.
·
Recommendation No. 4: Truck drivers and farmers should consider
attending an “Operation Lifesaver” education program in communities where
railroad traffic is present.