In Texas and elsewhere, trains that travel Texas railways must always comply with applicable laws and safety regulations. A recent tragedy occurred when a truck and a train collided. The collision had disastrous results.
The impact of the crash sent 16 railcars tumbling off the tracks. Law enforcement officers and rescuers who responded to the scene confirmed that the truck driver was killed in the collision. There are numerous entities, including the Federal Railroad Administration, that investigate train accidents. These investigations may take weeks or months to conclude.
Texas law requires drivers to yield the right of way to trains
If a driver sees a train approaching on a set of tracks, it is illegal to try to beat the train by accelerating to cross over the tracks ahead of the locomotive. It is also unlawful to drive around an electronic gate arm that has been lowered at a crossroads. A train may not obstruct a crossroads or highway for more than 10 minutes. Details were not provided regarding the exact cause of the collision between the train and the pickup truck.
Officials stated that the recent collision posed no danger to the public. The East Montgomery County Fire Department issued a public statement, extending condolences to the family members of the deceased truck driver. In Texas and beyond, a grieving spouse or another immediate family member may seek restitution in civil court when a loved one’s death is deemed to have resulted from another party’s negligence.