Car Accidents Involving Trains
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Car Accidents Involving Trains
Train-related car accidents are a significant safety concern in Florida, including the Tampa Bay area. As train services like Brightline expand and commuter lines such as SunRail and Amtrak see continued growth in riders, the risk of accidents at railroad crossings can be expected to grow. Dr. Deryk Harting of Chambers Medical Group, one of the highest rated car accident medical care providers in Florida, discusses car accidents involving trains.
Trains are massive, often weighing thousands of tons, and cannot stop quickly– sometimes requiring more than a mile to come to a complete halt. This makes it nearly impossible to avoid collisions under certain circumstances. When a vehicle collides with a train, the outcome is almost always catastrophic. The physics are usually devastating: the train’s immense momentum transfers to the much smaller vehicle, often throwing it off the tracks or demolishing entire portions of the vehicle. The disparity in mass and speed results in severe structural damage and a high risk of serious injury or death to the vehicle’s occupants.
Florida has one of the highest rates of train-related accidents in the United States. Brightline, a high-speed rail service operating between Miami and Orlando, has been involved in over 100 fatalities since its launch in 2017. While many of these incidents involve pedestrians, cyclists, or trespassers, a significant number also involve vehicles attempting to beat crossing gates or bypassing signals illegally. In the Tampa Bay area, incidents have also been reported. For instance, in 2023, an Amtrak train collided with a car near Tampa East Boulevard, injuring two women. The train was traveling from New York to Miami with 169 passengers and crew members onboard, none of whom were injured.
Injuries from these types of accidents can range from minor to fatal. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Concussions, contusions, hematomas, diffuse axonal injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Paralysis, partial paralysis, cauda equina syndrome.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Especially in the limbs, pelvis, spine, and ribs.
- Internal Injuries: Organ rupture/laceration, collapsed lungs, internal bleeding.
- Psychological: PTSD, depression, survivor guilt.
Despite advancements in railroad safety technology, human error remains a significant factor in train-car accidents. Most fatalities have been attributed to suicides or individuals attempting to cross the tracks illegally, ignoring warning signs, or beating the train at crossings. To address these issues, several safety measures have been implemented:
- Infrared Detection Systems: Brightline has installed infrared detectors to warn engineers if anyone is near the tracks, allowing them to slow down or stop the train.
- Upgraded Crossing Signals: The Southern Florida Regional Transportation Authority has received grants to modernize rail crossings on the Tri-Rail commuter line, including upgrading LED lights and signal mechanisms.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives like “Operation Crossing Guard” and “Florida Operation Lifesaver” aim to educate the public about the dangers of ignoring crossing signals and the importance of waiting for trains to pass. Other efforts include adding signage for suicide prevention hotlines as well as installing fencing and four-way gates at major crossings.
Car accidents involving trains are a serious and growing concern in Florida. The combination of high-speed train services, dense populations, and human error contributes to the frequency and severity of these incidents. By understanding the dangers and adhering to safety measures, these tragic events can be completely avoided entirely.
— This article is written by Deryk Harting, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Florida.
