Oklahoma Train Accident Stats
Oklahoma recorded 1,042 train accidents from 2000 to 2007, according to data from the Federal Railroad Administration. About half involved collisions with highway vehicles, and most of those accidents took place at crossings without crossing arms or flashing lights. These accidents resulted in 832 injuries.
The Hershewe Law Firm believes that people ought to understand that the heavy equipment used in railroad operation, the rail beds, and human error all combine to make railroad accidents frequent. Most railway accidents are minor, as are the injuries that result. But there is always risk. There were 11 crushing injuries, 17 amputations and 146 deaths in Oklahoma between 2000 and 2007.
Gavin Off, Tulsa World Data Editor, found that about two-thirds of Oklahoma’s railroad deaths involve engine-motor vehicle collisions. Nearly all these collisions are blamed on motor vehicle driver behavior according to accident reports from the Federal Railroad Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Transportation Safety Board.
But some train traffic experts and railroad accident lawyers believe that highway-rail accidents are nearly totally preventable if the railroads would begin to use new technologies for crossing gates and lights. Although state and local governments typically study crossings before recommending that a railroad company put up warning devices, there is certainly no law in Oklahoma that prevents railroad companies from erecting flashing lights, barriers or any other safety device at crossings on their own recognition of potential danger.
Please:
- Respect railroad property in Oklahoma – including engines, cars, tracks, sidings and rail yards
- Do not trespass
- Stop, look and listen at all railroad crossings all the time
- Report poorly maintained crossing grades (potholes, etc.) and malfunctioning warning devices to your local government
- Don’t assume that a train is not coming just because trains never travel that part of track or usually travel at a different time
- Don’t figure you can outrun a train engine
- Don’t ignore warning signs, flashing lights or barriers
These are behaviors that result in horrendous railroad accidents, injuries and deaths in Oklahoma – accidents usually officially blamed on driver error.
If you are the victim of an Oklahoma railway accident, contact a respected, experienced railroad accident law firm immediately. Call us at The Hershewe Law Firm. We are dedicated railroad accident lawyers who will help you pick up the pieces from your tragedy and move forward with your life.
If you would like a free consultation with one of our personal injury wrongful death attorneys, call us toll-free at 877-382-9734, or complete our web form.
