Personal Injury Law

Illinois train vs. vehicle crash deaths rose in 2010

ChicagoBreakingNews.com reported that Illinois train-vehicle deaths and pedestrian accidents at public railroad crossings increased in 2010 according to safety officials. Seventeen fatalities were reported between January 2010 and November 2010 at Illinois rail crossings and 10 deaths of pedestrians hit by trains. Last year?s tragic numbers reversed a recent downward trend in collisions. Ten fatalities involving train-versus-vehicle crashes occurred statewide in all of 2009 when there 15 in 2008, 16 in 2007, and 18 in 2006 and 2005.

Last year, the ten fatalities of pedestrians hit by trains attempting to cross tracks was the highest number since 2007. The trends were also upward for train-vehicle collisions involving both Illinois personal injuries and deaths. Officials estimate that collisions totals will be 125 to 130 in 2010 when all of the train-versus-car accidents are tallied.

This week, officials launched an attack against the rising numbers. Heart-tugging public service videos are now airing to push public attention to the problem. The administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration reported that the public service videos are aimed to shock the public into being more cautious near trains and railroad crossings. He explained that train crossing accidents are a nightmarish experience for locomotive engineers and other members of the train crews, leaving an indelible mark on the hard working engineer?s psyches and souls.

Full post as published by Illinois Injury Lawyer Blog on January 10, 2011 (boomark / email).