PB98-917005

NTSB/SS-98/03

NATIONAL

TRANSPORTATION

SAFETY

BOARD

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20594

SAFETY STUDY

Safety at Passive Grade Crossings

Volume 2: Case Summaries

7036

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1989 0-942-865
National Transportation Safety Board. 1998. Safety at passive grade crossings. Volume 2:

Case summaries. Safety Study NTSB/SS-98/03. Washington, DC. 60 p.

More than 4,000 accidents occurred at the Nation’s active and passive grade crossings in

1996; 54 percent of the accidents and 60 percent of the fatalities were at passive grade

crossings, where drivers are not provided warning from train-activated devices. The Safety

Board conducted this study to identify some common causes for accidents at passive crossings

and to identify remedies to improve safety at passive crossings that are not scheduled for

closure or upgrade. The sample of 60 accidents investigated by the Board as part of the study

is not intended to be statistically representative of the entire population of accidents at passive

grade crossings during the study period, but rather to illustrate a range of passive grade

crossing accidents. The report also relates information obtained at the Board’s 1997 public

forum on passive crossing safety. The safety issues include (a) the adequacy of existing

warning systems to alert the driver to the presence of a passive crossing and an oncoming

train; (b) roadway and track conditions that affect a driver’s ability to detect the presence of an

oncoming train; (c) behavioral factors that affect a driver’s ability to detect the presence of an

oncoming train; (d) the adequacy of existing driver education material regarding the dangers

of passive grade crossings and driver actions required; (e) the need for a systematic and

uniform approach to passive grade crossing safety; (f) and the need for improved signage at

private passive crossings. Safety recommendations concerning these issues were made to the

U.S. Department of Transportation; the Federal Highway Administration; the National

Highway Traffic Safety Administration; the Federal Railroad Administration; the States;

Operation Lifesaver, Inc.; the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators; the

American Automobile Association; the American Association of State Highway and

Transportation Officials; the Professional Truck Drivers Institute of America; the Advertising

Council, Inc.; the Association of American Railroads; the American Short Line and Regional

Railroad Association; and the American Public Transit Association.

The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent Federal agency dedicated to promoting aviation, railroad, highway, marine, pipeline, and hazardous materials safety. Established in 1967, the agency is mandated by

Congress through the Independent Safety Board Act of 1974 to investigate transportation accidents, determine the

probable causes of the accidents, issue safety recommendations, study transportation safety issues, and evaluate the

safety effectiveness of government agencies involved in transportation. The Safety Board makes public its actions

and decisions through accident reports, safety studies, special investigation reports, safety recommendations, and

statistical reviews.

Recent publications are available in their entirety on the Web at http://www.ntsb.gov/. Other information about

available publications also may be obtained from the Web site or by contacting:

National Transportation Safety Board

Public Inquiries Section, RE-51

490 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20594

(800) 877-6799 or (202) 314-6551

Safety Board publications may be purchased, by individual copy or by subscription, from the National Technical

Information Service. To purchase this publication, order report number PB98-917005 from:

National Technical Information Service

5285 Port Royal Road

Springfield, Virginia 22161

(800) 553-6847 or (703) 605-6000

Safety Study

Safety at Passive Grade Crossings

Volume 2: Case Summaries

NTSB/SS-98/03

PB98-917005 National Transportation Safety Board

Notation 7036 490 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W.

Adopted July 21, 1998 Washington, D.C. 20594

Contents iii Safety Study

Contents

Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................... v

Case Summary Matrix....................................................................................................................... viii

Case Summaries...................................................................................................................................... 1

Case Nos. 1–21....................................................................................................................................... 1

Case Nos. 22–42................................................................................................................................... 21

Case Nos. 43–62................................................................................................................................... 41

Conversion Factors for

International Standard (SI) Units

To convert from to multiply by

inch centimeters 2.5400

feet meters 0.3048

miles kilometers 1.6093

degrees Fahrenheit (°F) degrees Celsius (°C) 5/9 (°F minus 32)

Case Summary Matrix Safety Study v

Executive Summary

More than 4,000 accidents have occurred at the Nation’s active and passive grade

crossings each year from 1991 through 1996. Many of the accidents at active crossings

have involved highway vehicle drivers who did not comply with train-activated warning

devices installed at the crossings. This failure to comply often includes driver actions resulting from a deliberate decision, such as driving around a lowered crossing gate arm or

ignoring flashing lights. Drivers at passive crossings are not provided warnings from

train-activated devices; consequently, they must rely on a system of grade crossing signs

and pavement markings, passive devices, that are designed to warn drivers only of the

presence of a crossing. No element of this passive system changes to alert drivers to an

oncoming train. Further, the effectiveness of the passive system is influenced by characteristics of the physical layout of the crossing, such as an adequate view of the area

surrounding the crossing (sight distance) and roadway alignment, that affect the information given to an approaching motorist regarding an upcoming hazard.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there were 4,054 accidents in

1996 that involved highway vehicles at grade crossings; 54 percent (2,208) of those accidents occurred at passive grade crossings. About 60 percent of the fatalities from all

grade crossing accidents in 1996 (247 of 415 fatalities) were at passive grade crossings.

The cost to eliminate or upgrade passive grade crossings is very high. According

to the General Accounting Office, the average cost of adding lights and gates in 1995 was

$150,000 per grade crossing. The total cost to upgrade the 96,759 passive crossings on

public roadways would be about $14 billion. Gates and lights do not completely eliminate the hazards present at crossings, and, therefore, sole reliance on them would reduce

but not eliminate all the fatalities. The ultimate solution from a safety standpoint would

be a standard grade separation, which usually involves construction of bridges or overpasses and costs an estimated $3 million per crossing. The large number of passive grade

crossings, the high percentage of fatalities that occur at passive grade crossings, and the

cost to eliminate or upgrade passive grade crossings prompted the Safety Board to conduct this study to identify some of the common causes for accidents at passive grade

crossings, and to identify less costly remedies to improve safety at passive crossings not

scheduled for closure or upgrade.

For this study, the Safety Board investigated 60 grade crossing accidents that

occurred between December 1995 and August 1996. The Safety Board selected for study

accidents involving a collision between a train and a highway vehicle occurring at a

passive grade crossing, wherein the highway vehicle was sufficiently damaged to require

towing. The sample of accidents is not intended to be statistically representative of the

entire population of accidents at passive grade crossings during the study period, but

rather to illustrate a range of passive grade crossing accidents. A probable cause was

determined for each accident in the study. Overall, driver error was cited as the primary
Case Summary Matrix Safety Study vi

cause in 49 of the 60 accident cases: driver disregard for the stop sign in 13 cases, and

the driver’s failure to look for a train in 16 cases. In 7 of the remaining 11 cases, the

probable cause was determined to be related to roadway conditions that affected the

driver’s ability to detect the presence of a passive crossing or an oncoming train; roadway

and track conditions were cited as the probable cause in 3 of the 11 cases.

In May 1997, the Safety Board convened a 2-day public forum in Jacksonville,

Florida, to gather information about issues affecting safety at passive grade crossings.

Witnesses included experts from the railroad industry; law enforcement; research groups;

Operation Lifesaver; and Federal, State, and local government agencies. Those involved

in grade crossing accidents, both highway vehicle occupants and traincrews, testified

about their personal experiences. In addition, representatives from Canada and Italy discussed passive grade crossing issues and experiences in their countries.

Based on the results of the Safety Board’s accident investigations and the information gathered at the public forum, the safety issues discussed in the report include the

following:

• the adequacy of existing warning systems to alert the driver to the presence of

a passive crossing and an oncoming train;

• roadway and track conditions that affect a driver’s ability to detect the

presence of an oncoming train;

• behavioral factors that affect a driver’s ability to detect the presence of an

oncoming train;

• the adequacy of existing driver education material regarding the dangers of

passive grade crossings and driver actions required;

• the need for a systematic and uniform approach to passive grade crossing

safety; and

• the need for improved signage at private passive crossings.

The issue of safety at passive grade crossings is complex; therefore, Volume 1

(NTSB/SS-98/02) of the report first discusses the problems drivers encounter at passive

crossings, then presents the Board’s analysis, conclusions, and recommendations.

Volume 2 (NTSB/SS-98/03) of the report contains case summaries of the 60 accidents

investigated by the Safety Board for this study.
Case Summary Matrix Safety Study vii

As a result of this study, safety recommendations were issued to the U.S.

Department of Transportation; the Federal Highway Administration; the National

Highway Traffic Safety Administration; the Federal Railroad Administration; the States;

Operation Lifesaver, Inc.; the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators; the

American Automobile Association; the American Association of State Highway and

Transportation Officials; the Professional Truck Drivers Institute of America; the

Advertising Council, Inc.; the Association of American Railroads; the American Short

Line and Regional Railroad Association; and the American Public Transit Association.
Case Summary Matrix1 Case number NTSB accident number Driver interviewed Stop sign at accident crossing Crossbuck missing Daily train traffic Max. train speed (mph) Parallel roadway Angle of intersection skewed Tra

or r

cur

Public Passive Grade Crossings 01 SRH96FHX01 X 10 58 a 

03 CRH96FHX03 14 70 d X 04 WRH96FHX05 8 61 a, d 05 CRH96FHX04 X 10 30 a, d X 07 SRH96FHX03 X 7 50 08 SRH96FHX05 X 6 3 09 SRH96FHX06 X X 17 72 X 11 ATL96FRX05 X 10 75 d 12 CRH96FHX05 2 49 X 13 LAX96FRX08 2 48 d X 14 NRH96FHX05 9 — 16 CRH96FHX06 12 40 d 17 LAX96FRX09 8 — a X 18 SRH96FHX07 12 38 20 SRH96FHX10 10 32 X 21 SRH96FHX09 X 6 49 d 22 CRH96FHX07 X 4 38 X 26 CRH96FHX08 X 11 48 X 27 WRH96FHX07 X 18 76 a X 28 WRH96FHX08 X 18 64 29 SRH96FHX11 X 30 56 a, d 30 WRH96FHX09 18 53 (continued) — = Not available; a = condition exists on the roadway approach to the crossing; d = condition exists on the roadway departure from the crosst = track condition; s = condition exists at stop line.
Case Summary Matrix1 Case number NTSB accident number Driver interviewed Stop sign at accident crossing Crossbuck missing Daily train traffic Max. train speed (mph) Parallel roadway Angle of intersection skewed Tra

or r

cur

31 WRH96FHX10 X 22 72 X 32 WRH96FHX11 X 13 54 X 33 CRH96FHX09 20 45 d X 34 ATL96FRX16 X 10 40 a X 35 ATL96FRX17 10 49 36 CHI96FRX16 16 62 X 37 CHI96FRX17 X 15 48 a X 40 NRH96FHX11 X X 7 — 41 CHI96FRX18 X X 5 37 d 42 SRH96FHX13 X 11 45 X 43 WRH96FHX12 6 — 44 CHI96FRX20 X 27 55 a X 45 NRH96FHX12 26 35 X 46 SRH96FHX16 X 19 21 a, d 47 ATL96FRX21 4 47 49 SRH96FHX18 5 49 X 50 SRH96FHX19 8 35 X 51 CHI96FRX21 28 33 d 53 CRH96FHX12 28 39 54 SRH96FHX20 X 24 45 a 55 NRH96FHX13 X 4 56 X 57 ATL96FRX23 X 2 20 61 CRH96FHX13 15 58 a X 62 LAX96FRX13 — 30 X (continued) — = Not available; a = condition exists on the roadway approach to the crossing; d = condition exists on the roadway departure from the crosst = track condition; s = condition exists at stop line.
Case Summary Matrix1 Case number NTSB accident number Driver interviewed Stop sign at accident crossing Crossbuck missing Daily train traffic Max. train speed (mph) Parallel roadway Angle of intersection skewed Tra

or r

cur

Private Passive Grade Crossings 06 WRH96FHX06 4 75 a 

10 ATL96FRX13 45 38 15 NRH96FHX06 X X 36 16 d 19 SRH96FHX08 X 8 58 23 CHI96FRX12 X 12 33 a 25 ATL96FRX14 X 4 45 38 CRH96FHX10 X 6 30 d X 39 LAX96FRX12 X X 30 79 d 48 SRH96FHX17 X X X 3 45 a X r52 CHI96FRX22 X X 11 35 a 56 ATL96FRX25 X X 24 61 58 ATL96FRX24 X X 15 4 a r59 SRH96FHX22 22 50 60 WRH96FHX15 X X 22 45 d X r— = Not available; a = condition exists on the roadway approach to the crossing; d = condition exists on the roadway departure from the crosst = track condition; s = condition exists at stop line. 1 The National Transportation Safety Board selected for study accidents involving a collision between a train and a highway vehicle occurring 

wherein the highway vehicle was sufficiently damaged to require towing. Accidents meeting the qualification criteria were accepted sequentiaDecember 1995 through August 1996, as the Safety Board received notification; 60 accidents met the criteria and were included in the study accidents were investigated (cases 2 and 24) but were determined not to meet the qualification criteria; therefore, they were excluded from th
Case No. 1 S 1 afety Study

Case No. 1

Investigation No: SRH-96-F-HX01

Location: Childersburg, Alabama

Date and Time: January 10, 1996, about 8:45 a.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1979 Toyota Corolla

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On January 10, 1996, about 8:45 a.m., a westbound freight train struck a northbound

car near Childersburg, Alabama. The vehicle was halfway over the single track when it

was struck. Witnesses stated that the Toyota driver was familiar with the crossing and did

not stop at the crossing stop sign.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s disregard of the stop sign.
Case No. 3 S 2 afety Study

Case No. 3

Investigation No: CRH-96-F-HX03

Location: Duson, Louisiana

Date and Time: February 4, 1996, about 4:43 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1981 Buick Park Avenue

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: Three nonfatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On February 4, 1996, about 4:43 p.m., an eastbound passenger train struck a

southbound vehicle near Duson, Louisiana, injuring three vehicle occupants. One of the

vehicle passengers stated that he saw the headlamp of the train, heard its horn, and yelled

to the car driver, who stopped the vehicle and was backing it up when the collision

occurred. The driver stated that the sun glare restricted his view; the police verified the

sun was low in the sky and did create a strong glare when looking in the direction of the

approaching train. Partial sight obstructions were due to brush. In the preceding 5 years,

two accidents had occurred at this crossing.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s distraction due to conversation with a passenger. Contributing

to the accident were the roadway conditions that limited the driver’s ability to see the

train.
Case No. 4 S 3 afety Study

Case No. 4

Investigation No: WRH-96-F-HX05

Location: Magnolia, Texas

Date and Time: February 8, 1996, about 8:10 p.m.

Light Conditions: Nighttime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1995 GMC pickup truck

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: Three fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On February 8, 1996, about 8:10 p.m., a northbound freight train struck a southbound

pickup truck on Farm to Market Road 1774 near Magnolia, Texas. The pickup

truckdriver, traveling on a parallel roadway, turned left onto Melton Road and drove

approximately 70 feet onto the crossing in front of the train. The pickup truck occupants

were ejected and fatally injured. The train engineer and two other witnesses stated that

they did not believe the driver saw the train before the collision. The three occupants

lived nearby and were familiar with the crossing. The pickup truck owner stated that the

driver had smoked a small amount of marijuana that day; toxicological tests revealed the

presence of the drug in the driver’s urine.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s inattention to the approaching train due to possible drug

impairment.
Case No. 5 S 4 afety Study

Case No. 5

Investigation No: CRH-96-F-HX04

Location: Millsap, Texas

Date and Time: February 28, 1996, about 6:20 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime and cloudy

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1982 F-250 Ford pickup truck

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: No

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal and one nonfatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On February 28, 1996, about 6:20 p.m., an eastbound freight train struck a

northbound pickup truck on Bennett Road near Millsap, Texas. The driver attempted to

stop for the train, and the truck slid into its path. Neither the driver nor the passenger was

wearing a seatbelt.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s disregard of the stop sign.
Case No. 6 S 5 afety Study

Case No. 6

Investigation No: WRH-96-F-HX06

Location: Bernalillo, New Mexico

Date and Time: March 5, 1996, about 4:23 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1956 Chevrolet flatbed truck

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: Three fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On March 5, 1996, about 4:23 p.m., a southbound passenger train struck an

eastbound flatbed truck, fatally injuring the truck’s occupants, near Bernalillo, New

Mexico. Sight was not restricted at the crossing, and visibility was about 1 mile in either

direction. The train sounded its horn when it was near the crossing. A strong wind was

blowing from the west, and a witness stated that the truckdriver was talking with a

passenger, both of which may have prevented the truckdriver from hearing the horn. The

traincrew said that the truckdriver never looked in the direction of the train.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the truckdriver’s distraction due to conversation with a passenger.
Case No. 7 S 6 afety Study

Case No. 7

Investigation No: SRH-96-F-HX03

Location: Fort Payne, Alabama

Date and Time: March 8, 1996, about 1:35 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1990 Mack tractor/flatbed semitrailer

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: Three fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On March 8, 1996, about 1:35 p.m., a southbound freight train struck a westbound

truck tractor/flatbed semitrailer near Fort Payne, Alabama. Crossbuck and stop signs were

installed at the grade crossing. Witnesses indicated that the truckdriver was revving his

engine and appeared to be speeding as he proceeded toward the railroad crossing. He did

not stop at the stop sign but drove onto the railroad tracks, and the tractor was struck at its

right front axle. The driver and passengers were ejected. Witnesses reported that the train

horn was sounding as the train approached the crossing; however, the truck windows

were closed when the impact occurred.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the truckdriver’s disregard of the stop sign. Contributing to the loss of life

was the lack of restraint-use.
Case No. 8 S 7 afety Study

Case No. 8

Investigation No: SRH-96-F-HX05

Location: Doraville, Georgia

Date and Time: March 12, 1996, about 8:49 a.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Vehicle struck train

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1990 Ford F-150 pickup

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: No

Auxiliary Lights On: N/A

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: Yes

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: No

Injuries:

Highway: One nonfatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On March 12, 1996, about 8:49 a.m., a westbound pickup truck struck a northbound

freight train near Doraville, Georgia. Advance warning signs and pavement markings

were in place. A trainman had dismounted the train and flagged the traffic to stop by

using a fuse, which was then placed in the roadway before the train began to cross. The

truck was traveling about 40 mph when the driver applied the brakes, and the truck

skidded 50 feet into the train locomotive.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the roadway conditions that limited the driver’s ability to see the train.

Contributing to the accident was the failure of the engineer to sound the train horn.
Case No. 9 S 8 afety Study

Case No. 9

Investigation No: SRH-96-F-HX06

Location: Theodore, Alabama

Date and Time: March 18, 1996, about 7:15 am

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1992 Ford Aeromax tractor/28-foot semitrailer

van

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Unknown

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: No

Injuries:

Highway: One nonfatal

Railroad: Two nonfatal

Accident Description

On March 18, 1996, about 7:15 a.m., a southbound passenger train struck a

westbound tractor/semitrailer vehicle, near Theodore, Alabama. Stop signs were in place

alongside the crossbucks, and pavement markings were installed; however, no active

warning devices were present. The truckdriver said that as he approached the track he

stopped at the stop bar, observed no train approaching, heard no whistle, and therefore

proceeded to cross the track. The engineer and the assistant engineer said that they did not

see the truck stop before it moved onto the track. The train horn was sounded on the

approach and at the crossing. Brush and trees created some view obstruction at the

southeast quadrant of the crossing. However, the view was not obstructed from the stop

bar, and it appears, therefore, that the truckdriver did not stop at the stop sign.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the truckdriver’s disregard of the stop sign.
Case No. 10 Sa 9 fety Study

Case No. 10

Investigation No: ATL-96-F-RX13

Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Date and Time: March 9, 1996, about 8:35 a.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1989 Toyota JT4

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Unknown

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On March 9, 1996, about 8:35 a.m., a freight train struck a pickup truck at a private

crossing in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Approaching the crossing, the driver passed a

warning sign that recommended a 10-mph speed limit at a 90-degree turn to the left

ahead. In addition, an advance warning sign, pavement markings, and a crossbuck sign

were on the approach to the crossing. The driver’s view of the approaching train was not

restricted once the 90-degree turn was made. According to the engineer and the

conductor, the locomotive headlight and horn were being used. They stated that the

pickup truck approached the crossing at a slow speed and that the driver did not look

towards the approaching train and did not indicate he was going to stop.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s failure to look for the approaching train.
Case No. 11 Sa 10 fety Study

Case No. 11

Investigation No: ATL-96-F-RX05

Location: Ponchatoula, Louisiana

Date and Time: December 14, 1996, about 3:14 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1983 Ford 6000 pickup truck

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: Five fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On December 14, 1996, about 3:14 p.m., a northbound passenger train struck an

eastbound pickup truck occupied by five people, all of whom sustained fatal injuries, near

Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Standard crossbuck and stop signs were installed prior to the

track, which, according to the traincrew, the truckdriver disregarded. The vehicle passed

both signs and entered the track at a low speed and stopped on the track. According to the

traincrew, the locomotive horn, bell, and headlights were operating before the collision.

The sight distance from the vehicle was unlimited in both directions from the stop sign.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s disregard of the stop sign.
Case No. 12 Sa 11 fety Study

Case No. 12

Investigation No: CRH-96-F-HX05

Location: Robstown, Texas

Date and Time: March 19, 1996, about 7:05 p.m.

Light Conditions: Sundown

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1992 Lincoln Town Car

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: No

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On March 19, 1996, about 7:05 p.m., a northbound freight train struck a westbound

car on Nueces County Road 48 near Robstown, Texas. Witnesses stated that the car

approached the crossing between 45 and 50 mph and did not slow down. The driver of

the car was talking on a cellular phone at the time of the collision.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s distraction due to using a cellular phone. Contributing to the

accident were the roadway conditions that limited the driver’s ability to see the train.
Case No. 13 Sa 12 fety Study

Case No. 13

Investigation No: LAX-96-F-RX08

Location: Luxora, Arkansas

Date and Time: March 25, 1996, about 8:20 a.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1991 Pontiac Grand Prix

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: Yes

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On March 25, 1996, about 8:20 a.m., a southbound freight train struck a car in

Luxora, Arkansas. Both sides of the crossing were equipped with standard crossbuck

warning signs with a multi-track sign bolted to the mast. The train engineer stated that he

blew the train horn while approaching the crossing. One crewmember said that the driver

pulled onto the tracks without stopping and then “froze” just before the collision. Sight

distance was not obstructed for the vehicle or train. The driver was operating without a

license at the time of the accident.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s failure to look for the approaching train.
Case No. 14 Sa 13 fety Study

Case No. 14

Investigation No: NRH-96-F-HX05

Location: Waxahachie, Texas

Date and Time: March 15, 1996, about 3:00 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1988 Chrysler Fifth Avenue

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On March 15, 1996, about 3:00 p.m., an eastbound freight train struck a northbound

car near Waxahachie, Texas. The northbound approach to the grade crossing had advance

warning and crossbuck signs. The train engineer said that he saw the car approaching the

grade crossing and when it was almost at the tracks, the driver looked leftward at the

train, slammed on the brakes, and skidded 26 feet onto the tracks.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s failure to look for the approaching train.
Case No. 15 Sa 14 fety Study

Case No. 15

Investigation No: NRH-96-F-HX06

Location: Clairton, Pennsylvania

Date and Time: March 20, 1996, about 2:53 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1991 Mack tractor, tank semitrailer

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: Yes

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: None

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On March 20, 1996, about 2:53 p.m., a southbound freight train struck a westbound

tractor tank-semitrailer near Clairton, Pennsylvania. The truckdriver stopped at a

gatehouse, proceeded through the company gate, and drove towards two railroad tracks

about 100 feet away. The gatehouse security guard is supposed to activate red lights, walk

to the roadway, and stop traffic. The security guard did not follow procedures because she

said that the trains usually take several minutes to reach the crossing. The truckdriver had

an unobstructed view of southbound trains for about 1,000 feet. He stated that he saw a

southbound train approaching, but thought it was farther away as he drove onto the

crossing. When the truckdriver realized that the train was almost upon him, he

accelerated to clear the crossing.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the truckdriver’s misjudgment of the proximity of the train. Contributing to

the accident was the security guard’s disregard of company procedures.
Case No. 16 Sa 15 fety Study

Case No. 16

Investigation No: CRH-96-F-HX06

Location: Calhoun, Louisiana

Date and Time: April 5, 1996, about 8:15 a.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1993 Mazda 626

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: Two fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On April 5, 1996, about 8:15 a.m., an eastbound freight train struck a northbound car

at Golson Road near Calhoun, Louisiana. The car driver’s view was obstructed by dense

forest, and the car skidded onto the railroad tracks, where it was struck by the train.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the roadway conditions that limited the driver’s ability to see the train.
Case No. 17 Sa 16 fety Study

Case No. 17

Investigation No: LAX-96-F-RX09

Location Jonesboro, Arkansas

Date and Time: March 27, 1996, about 7:10 p.m.

Light Conditions: Dark

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1996 Honda Civic

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On March 27, 1996, about 7:10 p.m., a westbound freight train struck a northbound

car near Jonesboro, Arkansas. The crossing was protected by reflectorized crossbucks.

Witnesses stated that the driver pulled into the path of the train after he had stopped and

appeared to be consulting a map.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s distraction with reading a map.
Case No. 18 Sa 17 fety Study

Case No. 18

Investigation No: SRH-96-F-HX07

Location: Avinger, Texas

Date and Time: April 19, 1996, about 7:25 a.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1994 Mack tractor/flatbed semitrailer

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On April 19, 1996, about 7:25 a.m., a southbound freight train struck a westbound

truck tractor/semitrailer near Avinger, Texas. The truckdriver was ejected and fatally

injured. The crossbuck was the only sign at the grade crossing. No person witnessed the

accident, and no evidence was on the roadway to indicate that the truckdriver attempted

to stop for the grade crossing. According to the train’s event recorder, the train horn

sounded continuously for 8 seconds before impact; however, the truck windows were

closed. Vegetation limited the sight distance to the north down the track.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the roadway conditions that limited the truckdriver’s ability to see the train.

Contributing to the loss of life was the lack of restraint-use.
Case No. 19 Sa 18 fety Study

Case No. 19

Investigation No: SRH-96-F-HX08

Location: Strafford, Missouri

Date and Time: April 21, 1996, about 8:16 a.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1994 Chevrolet Blazer Tahoe

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: No

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal and one nonfatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On April 21, 1996, about 8:16 a.m., a westbound freight train struck a northbound

vehicle at a private crossing near Strafford, Missouri. No advance warning signs were in

place on the approach to the crossing, and no crossbuck was at the crossing. The vehicle

crossed the tracks at a slow rate of speed when it was struck by the train, traveling at 58

mph. Both the driver and the passenger were unrestrained in and ejected from the vehicle.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the lack of signage to alert the driver, who was unfamiliar with the crossing,

of the need to look for a train.
Case No. 20 Sa 19 fety Study

Case No. 20

Investigation No: SRH-96-F-HX10

Location: Alton, Louisiana

Date and Time: May 3, 1996, about 5:10 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1991 Pontiac Firebird

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On May 3, 1996, about 5:10 p.m., a northbound freight train struck a westbound car

near Alton, Louisiana. Crossbucks were installed at the crossing, and an advance warning

sign and appropriate pavement markings were in place on the westbound roadway

approach. The train conductor stated that the car was not stopping. Both crewmembers

said the train horn was sounding, but the horn use was not recorded on the train event

recorder. Brush and trees were at the southeast quadrant of the crossing; however, if the

car was traveling at the posted 25-mph speed limit, the driver would have been able to see

the train and had sufficient time to stop safely.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s failure to look for the approaching train.
Case No. 21 Sa 20 fety Study

Case No. 21

Investigation No: SRH-96-F-HX09

Location: Saraland, Alabama

Date and Time: May 3, 1996, about 8:44 a.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1983 Pontiac 6000

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes1

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: Two fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On May 3, 1996, about 8:44 a.m., a northbound freight train struck an eastbound

vehicle near Saraland, Alabama. A crossbuck and a stop sign on the right side of the

eastbound approach were within view of the driver. The driver did not stop at the stop

sign but continued at a witness-estimated speed of 20 mph onto the track. The train horn

was sounded repeatedly as the train approached the crossing. Calculations revealed that

the sight distance along the track was more than adequate, had the driver stopped at the

crossing as required.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s disregard of the stop sign.

 1

 Assumes the driver did not stop.
Case No. 22 Sa 21 fety Study

Case No. 22

Investigation No: CRH-96-F-HX07

Location: Bristow, Oklahoma

Date and Time: April 13, 1996, about 2:50 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1989 Ford Tempo

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: N/A

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: No

Injuries:

Highway: Four nonfatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On April 13, 1996, about 2:50 p.m., a westbound freight train struck a northbound

car on an unnamed county road near Bristow, Oklahoma. The car driver was unfamiliar

with the crossing, and the sight distance was limited. She attempted to stop her vehicle

when she saw the train, and the car slid onto the crossing.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the roadway and track conditions that limited the driver’s ability to see the

train. Contributing to the accident was the lack of an advance warning sign to alert the

driver, who was unfamiliar with the area, to look for an approaching train.
Case No. 23 Sa 22 fety Study

Case No. 23

Investigation No: CHI-96-F-RX12

Location: Bettendorf, Iowa

Date and Time: April 24, 1996, about 3:45 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1988 Ford Tempo

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: N/A

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: No

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On April 24, 1996, about 3:45 p.m., a westbound freight train struck a northbound

vehicle, fatally injuring the driver, near Bettendorf, Iowa. The intersection was equipped

with two each of “stop, look, and listen” and stop signs and a crossbuck sign. No sight

obstructions were present to obscure the driver’s view of the approaching train. The

engineer stated that he sounded the train horn before the collision. The car was travelling

slowly across the grade crossing when the collision occurred, and the train engineer did

not see the car stop or the driver look toward the train.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s disregard of the stop sign.
Case No. 25 Sa 23 fety Study

Case No. 25

Investigation No: ATL-96-F-RX14

Location: Greenway, Arkansas

Date and Time: May 9, 1996, about 7:35 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1975 Ford Ranger F100 pickup truck

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: No

Injuries:

Highway: None

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On May 9, 1996, about 7:35 p.m., a westbound freight train struck an unoccupied

pickup truck on a “closed” crossing near Greenway, Arkansas. A crossbuck sign was 15

feet from the rail track, which was straight, and no sight restrictions were present along

the track. The truck stalled on the rails and was abandoned.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s poor judgement to enter and attempt to traverse the closed

crossing.
Case No. 26 Sa 24 fety Study

Case No. 26

Investigation No: CRH-96-F-HX08

Location: Bonita, Louisiana

Date and Time: May 1, 1996, about 6:55 a.m.

Light Conditions: Dawn

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1983 Chevrolet/AmTran school bus

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: N/A

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: Twelve nonfatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On May 1, 1996, about 6:55 a.m., a northbound freight train struck an eastbound

school bus on Harp Lane near Bonita, Louisiana. The school busdriver stated that he

began slowing his vehicle on the approach to the grade crossing. He said that he heard the

train horn and applied the bus brakes hard and that the bus slid onto the crossing. He was

trying to back up the bus when the train struck it.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the school busdriver’s disregard for the grade crossing procedures to stop

and check for an approaching train.
Case No. 27 Sa 25 fety Study

Case No. 27

Investigation No: WRH-96-F-HX07

Location: Tickfaw, Louisiana

Date and Time: May 27, 1996, about 1:57 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1996 Dodge Neon

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One nonfatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On May 27, 1996, about 1:57 p.m., a southbound passenger train struck a westbound

car at Buckles Lane near Tickfaw, Louisiana. The driver of the vehicle left a residence

about 150 feet from the grade crossing and drove onto the tracks. A row of trees located

approximately 31 feet east of the crossing and the angle and curvature of Buckles Lane

causes sight obstructions for westbound motorists. When the driver noticed the train, she

said that she panicked and began to back up the car. The train sideswiped the front of the

car, and the car airbags deployed, from which the driver sustained minor injuries.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s inattention to the approaching train. Contributing to the accident

were roadway conditions that limited the driver’s ability to see the train.
Case No. 28 Sa 26 fety Study

Case No. 28

Investigation No: WRH-96-F-HX08

Location: Walls, Mississippi

Date and Time: May 28, 1996, about 7:26 a.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1992 GMC Sierra pickup truck

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: No

Injuries:

Highway: One nonfatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On May 28, 1996, about 7:26 a.m., a southbound passenger train struck a westbound

pickup truck on Goodman Road near Walls, Mississippi. The pickup truckdriver

approached the grade crossing and stopped with the front of the truck on the tracks. The

driver was ejected during the collision and sustained serious injuries. The pickup

truckdriver stated that he had lived near the crossing for 4 years but had never traversed

the crossing before the accident.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s failure to look for the approaching train.
Case No. 29 Sa 27 fety Study

Case No. 29

Investigation No: SRH-96-F-HX11

Location: Lula, Georgia

Date and Time: May 29, 1996, about 9:06 p.m.

Light Conditions: Dark

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1993 Ford Ranger pickup truck

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: Yes

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On May 29, 1996, about 9:06 p.m., a northbound passenger train struck an eastbound

pickup truck near Lula, Georgia. A crossbuck sign, indicating two tracks, and a stop sign

were at the grade crossing. A witness, who was on the opposite side of the tracks,

reported that the northbound passenger train’s horn was sounded and light illuminated as

it approached the crossing. The pickup truck was stopped waiting for a southbound

freight train to clear the crossing. After the freight train cleared, the driver accelerated his

vehicle into the path of the passenger train, which was on the adjacent track. The driver

was not wearing his lap/shoulder belt and was ejected from the vehicle during the

accident sequence.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s misjudgment in proceeding across the adjacent track before

determining that it was clear of an approaching train. Contributing to the loss of life was

the lack of restraint-use.
Case No. 30 Sa 28 fety Study

Case No. 30

Investigation No: WRH-96-F-HX09

Location: Seward, Oklahoma

Date and Time: May 29, 1996, about 7:40 a.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1988 Dodge Aries

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: No

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On May 29, 1996, about 7:40 p.m., a northbound freight train struck an eastbound

vehicle, fatally injuring the driver, near Seward, Oklahoma. The roadway configuration of

a steep wooden bridge limited the vehicle approach speed to 20 mph. The sight distance

along the tracks was restricted by trees, and no advanced warning signs were in place.

The traincrew stated that as the train approached about 80 feet away, the vehicle entered

the crossing without stopping.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the roadway conditions that limited the driver’s ability to see the train.
Case No. 31 Sa 29 fety Study

Case No. 31

Investigation No: WRH-96-F-HX10

Location: Greenwood, Mississippi

Date and Time: June 2, 1996, about 7:54 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1994 Pontiac Grand Am

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On June 2, 1996, about 7:54 p.m., a northbound passenger train struck an eastbound

car on County Road 245 near Greenwood, Mississippi. A row of trees obstructed the sight

distance at the crossing. According to the traincrew and another witness, the car driver

continued onto the tracks without slowing down.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s disregard of the stop sign.
Case No. 32 Sa 30 fety Study

Case No. 32

Investigation No: WRH-96-F-HX11

Location: Ada, Oklahoma

Date and Time: April 29, 1996, about 7:40 p.m.

Light Conditions: Dusk

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1993 Dodge pickup truck

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: No

Injuries:

Highway: Two fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On April 29, 1996, about 7:40 p.m., a northbound freight train struck a pickup truck

near Ada, Oklahoma. The driver and his father were in the area looking for a travel trailer

for sale. The driver turned the vehicle onto the roadway, and he stopped it on the tracks.

He backed up the truck until only its front wheels were on the tracks. The traincrew said

they thought the truck would move completely off the tracks. Instead the truck pulled

back onto the tracks immediately in front of the train. The truck windows were darkly

tinted, which restricted the occupants’ vision.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s distraction due to looking for a travel trailer.
Case No. 33 Sa 31 fety Study

Case No. 33

Investigation No: CRH-96-F-HX09

Location: Trumann, Arkansas

Date and Time: June 3, 1996, about 2:41 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1984 Chrysler LeBaron

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: Yes

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On June 3, 1996 about 2:41 p.m., a southbound freight train struck a westbound car

at Hatchie Coon Road near Trumann, Arkansas. The car driver had recently moved to the

area and was not familiar with the crossing. Brush and small trees obstructed the driver’s

view of the crossing. The train engineer stated that the vehicle was driven onto the

crossing and was stopped on the railroad tracks for approximately 15 seconds before the

collision.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the roadway conditions that limited the driver’s ability to see the train.

Contributing to the accident was the lack of signage to alert the driver, who was

unfamiliar with the area, to look for an approaching train.
Case No. 34 Sa 32 fety Study

Case No. 34

Investigation No: ATL-96-F-RX16

Location: Texarkana, Arkansas

Date and Time: May 22, 1996, about 11:25 a.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1995 Ford van

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: No

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: Two fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On May 22, 1996, about 11:25 a.m., a westbound freight train struck a van, fatally

injuring its driver and passenger, near Texarkana, Arkansas. A crossbuck sign and two

stop signs, one at each corner, were installed at the crossing. According to train

crewmembers, the headlight and horn were in use. The engineer stated that he saw the

van approach the crossing between 10 and 15 mph, fail to stop at the posted sign, and

enter the crossing in front of the train.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the failure of the vehicle driver to stop at the stop sign and yield the right of

way to an approaching train, due to inattentiveness.
Case No. 35 Sa 33 fety Study

Case No. 35

Investigation No: ATL-96-F-RX17

Location: Rayville, Louisiana

Date and Time: May 28, 1996, about 6:15 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1991 GMC Suburban Trailmaster

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On May 28, 1996, about 6:15 p.m., a westbound freight train struck a southbound

vehicle near Rayville, Louisiana. The train engineer indicated that the train lights and

horns were operating when the collision occurred. According to the traincrew and the

police accident report, the driver passed both the advance warning and the crossbuck

signs and did not stop before driving onto the tracks. The traincrew stated that the driver

was using a telephone at the time of the collision; however, no phone was found on scene.

Sight distance measurements indicated no obstructions when approaching the crossing.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s distraction possibly due to using a cellular phone.
Case No. 36 Sa 34 fety Study

Case No. 36

Investigation No: CHI-96-F-RX16

Location: Racine, Missouri

Date and Time: May 29, 1996, about 6:56 a.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1987 Pontiac Fiero

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: No

Injuries:

Highway: Two fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On May 29, 1996, about 6:56 a.m., a westbound freight train struck a car, fatally

injuring its driver and passenger, in Racine, Missouri. The crossing had a crossbuck sign

and pavement markings. The traincrew stated that the car was approaching the

intersection at a fast speed and that the driver and passenger were having a conversation.

The regulatory speed on the roadway is 60 mph, and the advisory speed is 40 mph. Both

train crewmembers stated that the horn sounded and the head and ditch lights were on.

The driver’s view of an oncoming train was obstructed by brush and trees near the

approach to the grade crossing.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s distraction due to conversation with a passenger. Contributing

to the accident were roadway conditions that limited the driver’s ability to see the train.
Case No. 37 Sa 35 fety Study

Case No. 37

Investigation No: CHI-96-F-RX17

Location: Montrose, Illinois

Date and Time: May 30, 1996, about 1:10 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Vehicle struck train

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1988 Pontiac Grand Am

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: N/A

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: None

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On May 30, 1996, about 1:10 p.m., a westbound vehicle struck a train near Montrose,

Illinois. The crossing was marked by a crossbuck sign. The speed limit on the roadway

was not posted; it is regulated at 55 mph. The driver stated that as she approached the

crossing, she turned around to look for French fries for her child in the rear seat and that

when she turned back around, the train was there. The traincrew said the vehicle appeared

to be slowing, as if to stop. The driver stated she did not hear or see the train as she

approached the crossing. The traincrew said that the horn was being sounded and the

headlights were in use.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s distraction from the approaching train due to her child

passenger. Contributing to the accident were the roadway conditions that limited the

driver’s ability to see the train.
Case No. 38 Sa 36 fety Study

Case No. 38

Investigation No: CRH-96-F-HX10

Location: Como, Texas

Date and Time: June 24, 1996, about 10:30 a.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1982 Freightliner tractor/1986 bottom-dump

semitrailer

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: N/A

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: None

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On June 24, 1996, about 10:30 a.m., an eastbound freight train struck a southbound

tractor/semitrailer near Como, Texas. The truckdriver stated that he did not look for an

approaching train, did not hear the train horn, and was unaware of the approaching train.

According to a witness, the freight train’s horn was sounding before the grade crossing.

As the tractor/semitrailer started to cross the tracks between 5 and 10 mph, the train was

within view. The truckdriver said that he was familiar with the grade crossing, but that his

attention was diverted by a car turning onto the roadway.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the truckdriver’s failure to look for the approaching train. Contributing to

the accident was the truckdriver’s distraction from the approaching train due to other

highway traffic.
Case No. 39 Sa 37 fety Study

Case No. 39

Investigation No: LAX-96-F-RX12

Location: San Jose, California

Date and Time: June 19, 1996, about 5:47 a.m.

Light Conditions: Dawn

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes (modified)

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal and one nonfatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On June 19, 1996, about 5:47 a.m., a northbound passenger train struck an eastbound

vehicle, fatally injuring the passenger and seriously injuring the driver, near San Jose,

California. The private crossing has crossbuck and stop signs and a 15-mph speed limit

because of a steep grade approaching the crossing. The train engineer was sounding the

horn and had the headlight on as the train approached the crossing. About 0.3 of a mile

before the crossing, the engineer saw the vehicle pull onto the crossing and stop; the car

started to move, when the train struck the vehicle.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s disregard of the stop sign.
Case No. 40 Saf 38 ety Study

Case No. 40

Investigation No: NRH-96-F-HX11

Location: St. Albans, Vermont

Date and Time: June 21, 1996, about 6:18 a.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1988 Toyota pickup truck

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: No

Injuries:

Highway: None

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On June 21, 1996, about 6:18 a.m., a southbound passenger train struck a westbound

pickup truck near St. Albans, Vermont. A 25-mph speed limit sign was posted 287 feet

before the grade crossing, and a stop sign was posted 66 feet before the grade crossing.

The driver stated that he did not stop at the stop sign. He added that nobody ever stops

there because the sign is too far back from the tracks to allow one to see an approaching

southbound train. When the pickup truck neared the grade crossing, it slowed, before

being struck on its right side. According to the train’s event recorder the train horn was

sounding intermittently as the train approached the crossing.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s failure to look for the approaching train. Contributing to the

accident were roadway conditions that limited the driver’s ability to see the train.
Case No. 41 Saf 39 ety Study

Case No. 41

Investigation No: CHI-96-F-RX18

Location: Pickerington, Ohio

Date and Time: June 21, 1996, about 3:45 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1986 Buick Park Avenue

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes (modified)

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No2

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On June 21, 1996, about 3:45 p.m., a freight train struck a southbound vehicle,

fatally injuring the driver, near Pickerington, Ohio. The crossing was equipped with

advance warning, crossbuck, and stop signs. The traincrew stated that both the horn and

lights were in use as the train approached the crossing. They saw a vehicle stopped on the

tracks, waiting for a vehicle ahead of it to move. The vehicle ahead was stopped at a yield

sign just beyond the crossing, where space was available only for one vehicle. Witnesses

stated that the driver was using a cellular phone at the time of the collision.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s distraction due to using a cellular phone. Contributing to the

accident were the roadway and traffic conditions that caused the driver to stop his car on

the tracks.

 2

 Assumes the driver did not stop.
Case No. 42 Safe 40 ty Study

Case No. 42

Investigation No: SRH-96-F-HX13

Location: Jasper, Alabama

Date and Time: July 15, 1996, about 5:34 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1993 Chevrolet pickup truck

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: Yes

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: No

Injuries:

Highway: Two fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On July 15, 1996, about 5:34 p.m., a westbound freight train struck a southbound

pickup truck near Jasper, Alabama. Crossbuck and stop signs were visible on the right

side of the roadway approach to the crossing. The truck did not stop at the stop sign but

proceeded onto the track at a speed between 4 and 6 mph. The train horn was sounded

repeatedly on the approach to the crossing. Calculations revealed that the sight distance

was adequate had the driver stopped the truck at the crossing. Toxicological drug analysis

indicated cocaine in the driver’s blood and urine; therefore, he may have been impaired.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s disregard of the stop sign due to possible drug impairment.
Case No. 43 Sa 41 fety Study

Case No. 43

Investigation No: WRH-96-F-HX12

Location: Floyd, Texas

Date and Time: July 15, 1996, about 9:42 a.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Vehicle struck train

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1991 Buick Le Sabre

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: No

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On July 15, 1996, about 9:42 a.m., a southbound Buick Le Sabre struck a westbound

freight train near Floyd, Texas. The driver of the car was fatally injured. The train

engineer did not see the vehicle before the collision. Calculations estimated the speed of

the car before braking to be near the 55-mph speed limit for the roadway. The driver had

been working all night and, after a 3-hour nap, was returning home. No visibility

obstructions were found at or near the crossing. At this crossing, four accidents had

occurred in the 19 months before this accident.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s failure to look for the train. Contributing to the accident was

driver fatigue.
Case No. 44 Sa 42 fety Study

Case No. 44

Investigation No: CHI-96-F-RX20

Location: Cromwell, Indiana

Date and Time: July 9, 1996, about 5:40 a.m.

Light Conditions: Dawn

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1995 Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On July 9, 1996, about 5:40 a.m., an eastbound freight train struck a northbound

pickup truck, near Cromwell, Indiana. Brush and tree growth along the roadway right-ofway diminished sight distance. The train horn was only used a portion of the time on the

approach to the crossing. The engineer stated that he observed the vehicle stop before

entering the crossing, but he did not see the driver look in either direction for a train. The

pickup truck driver drove onto the crossing; at that time, the engineer saw him look in

both directions. The driver had been required to wear corrective lenses, which were not

found at the scene.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s failure to look for the approaching train. Contributing to the

accident was the engineer’s poor judgement in not sounding the train horn sufficiently in

advance of the grade crossing and not continually sounding the horn, as required, before

entering the grade crossing.
Case No. 45 Sa 43 fety Study

Case No. 45

Investigation No: NRH-96-F-HX12

Location: Rosedale, Maryland

Date and Time: July 24, 1996, about 10:10 a.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1992 International tractor with a dump trailer

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: No

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One nonfatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On July 24, 1996, about 10:10 a.m., a westbound freight train struck a southbound

tractor/dump trailer combination vehicle, injuring the truckdriver, near Rosedale,

Maryland. The truckdriver stated that he stopped at the crossing and then proceeded

across the tracks. When the truck was three-quarters over the crossing, he heard the train

horn. The traincrew stated that the truck did not stop at the crossing. The truckdriver

should have been able to see and hear the approaching train, had he stopped at the

crossing.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s failure to look for the approaching train.
Case No. 46 Sa 44 fety Study

Case No. 46

Investigation No: SRH-96-F-HX16

Location: Bryan, Texas

Date and Time: August 6, 1996, about 2:30 a.m.

Light Conditions: Darkness/lighted

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1984 Buick Park Avenue

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: N/A

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: None

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On August 6, 1996, about 2:30 a.m., an eastbound freight train struck a southbound

car near Bryan, Texas. The grade crossing had a crossbuck sign, which was obscured by

trees, and a stop sign, which was positioned 32 feet from the tracks at a roadway

intersection. Advance warning signs were in place on the right shoulder of the roadway.

A sight obstruction was created by the trees to the west of the stop sign, which limited

visibility to about 50 feet down the track. The car was equipped with tinted windows,

which also diminished visibility. The train conductor said that the driver slowed the car

for the stop sign and continued to drive it onto the tracks at about 5 mph. A witness on

the opposite side of the tracks reported that the train horn sounded as the train approached

the crossing.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s disregard of the stop sign due to fatigue. Contributing to the

accident were the roadway and track conditions that limited the driver’s ability to see the

train.
Case No. 47 Sa 45 fety Study

Case No. 47

Investigation No: ATL-96-F-RX21

Location: Simpson, North Carolina

Date and Time: August 3, 1996, about 7:50 a.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1988 Chevrolet Camaro

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: No

Injuries:

Highway: Two fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On August 3, 1996, about 7:50 a.m., an eastbound freight train struck a northbound

vehicle, fatally injuring its occupants, near Simpson, North Carolina. The grade crossing

is equipped with crossbuck and advance warning signs. The traincrew stated that both the

horn and headlight were in use. They said that the vehicle approached the crossing

between 15 and 20 mph and entered the crossing without slowing or stopping. Vegetation

obscures a northbound driver’s view of the tracks until approximately 40 feet from the

crossing.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the roadway conditions that limited the driver’s ability to see the train.
Case No. 48 Sa 46 fety Study

Case No. 48

Investigation No: SRH-96-F-HX17

Location: Austin, Texas

Date and Time: August 13, 1996, about 2:30 a.m.

Light Conditions: Dark

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1989 Chevrolet Beretta

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: No

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes (modified)

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: None

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On August 13, 1996, about 2:30 a.m., a northbound freight train struck an

unoccupied car stuck on the track near Austin, Texas. The driver was unfamiliar with the

area and drove her car over the crossing. She became concerned about a posted private

crossing sign and attempted to turn the vehicle around on the crossing. While turning the

car around, the driver drove it off the south end of the crossing sectional ties, and it

became lodged on the track. The driver said that she abandoned the car to get help and

was a short distance from the crossing when she heard the train horn sounding.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s decision to turn around on the grade crossing that resulted in the

vehicle becoming lodged on the track.
Case No. 49 Sa 47 fety Study

Case No. 49

Investigation No: SRH-96-F-HX18

Location: Hazlehurst, Georgia

Date and Time: August 17, 1996, about 2:05 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1995 Chevrolet pickup truck

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: No

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On August 17, 1996, about 2:05 p.m., a northbound freight train struck a westbound

pickup truck near Hazlehurst, Georgia. A crossbuck sign on the right side of the

westbound approach was visible to the driver. The driver slowed his vehicle, without

stopping, and moved it forward onto the track. Trees and brush restricted the driver’s

view. The train horn was sounded repeatedly when the train was approaching the

crossing. No evidence indicated that the pickup truckdriver had any physical impairment.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the roadway conditions that limited the driver’s ability to see the train.
Case No. 50 Sa 48 fety Study

Case No. 50

Investigation No: SRH-96-F-HX19

Location: Cuba, Missouri

Date and Time: August 16, 1996, about 12:10 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1995 Chevrolet 1-ton truck

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On August 16, 1996, about 12:10 p.m., a westbound freight train struck a northbound

truck near Cuba, Missouri. No advance warning sign was present; however, the view of

the track east of the crossing was unobstructed. Two vehicles had traversed the crossing

and had stopped at the highway intersection before the truck, and the driver was likely

preoccupied with the two vehicles ahead of him at the highway intersection. He had no

medical or vision problems.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s distraction with other highway traffic.
Case No. 51 Sa 49 fety Study

Case No. 51

Investigation No: CHI-96-F-RX21

Location: Pass Christian, Mississippi

Date and Time: July 20, 1996, about 1:48 a.m.

Light Conditions: Dark

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1995 Mitsubishi van

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal and one nonfatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On July 20, 1996, about 1:48 a.m., a southbound freight train struck a westbound

vehicle, fatally injuring the passenger and causing minor injuries to the driver, near Pass

Christian, Mississippi. The grade crossing was equipped with crossbuck and advance

warning signs. The traincrew stated that both the horn and lights were in use before the

collision. Witnesses said that the vehicle increased speed and turned toward the grade

crossing at the same time they heard the train horn. About 10 seconds later, the witnesses

heard the squealing of train brakes. The driver had a blood alcohol level of 0.23 percent.

Trees and shrubs obscured the view of the southbound train approaching the crossing.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s failure to stop before entering the path of the approaching train

due to alcohol impairment.
Case No. 52 Sa 50 fety Study

Case No. 52

Investigation No: CHI-96-F-RX22

Location: Knob Noster, Missouri

Date and Time: August 13, 1996, about 9:45 a.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1952 Case 311 BL farm tractor

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: None

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On August 13, 1996, about 9:45 a.m., an eastbound passenger train struck a

southbound farm tractor near Knob Noster, Missouri. The grade crossing was equipped

with crossbuck and stop signs. The 14-year-old driver of the tractor stated that he stopped

at the stop sign but could only see a short distance westward because a signal bungalow

blocked his view and that he did not hear the train horn. He said that he proceeded to

cross the tracks and that once on the tracks, his vehicle stalled. The driver was able to

jump off the tractor before the collision.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the signal bungalow that limited the farm tractor driver’s ability to see the

train.
Case No. 53 Sa 51 fety Study

Case No. 53

Investigation No: CRH-96-F-HX12

Location: Poteau, Oklahoma

Date and Time: August 13, 1996, about 12:00 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1990 Buick Skylark

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On August 19, 1996, about noon, a northbound freight train struck a westbound

vehicle, fatally injuring the driver, near Poteau, Oklahoma. A witness stated that the train

horn was sounded several times and was sounding constantly before the collision. The

vehicle traveled onto the crossing, stopped, and was struck by the train. Although some

sight obstructions were in the sight triangle, the train would never have been totally

obscured and should have been visible to the driver.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s failure to look for the approaching train.
Case No. 54 Sa 52 fety Study

Case No. 54

Investigation No: SRH-96-F-HX20

Location: Napton, Missouri

Date and Time: August 21, 1996, about 4:45 a.m.

Light Conditions: Dark

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1989 Ford F-150 pickup truck

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: None

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On August 21, 1996, about 4:45 a.m., an eastbound freight train struck a southbound

pickup truck near Napton, Missouri. A crossbuck sign was installed 16 feet before the

grade crossing; no advance warning sign was in place. According to the traincrew, the

headlight, ditch lights, and horn were activated as the train approached the grade crossing.

The driver was traveling up a 7-percent grade to the crossing when his vehicle hesitated

several times and stalled on the tracks. The driver indicated that he was attempting to

restart the vehicle when he heard the train horn. Both the driver and passenger jumped

from the pickup truck as it was struck. The sight distance was adequate so the vehicle

driver should have been able to see the train.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the mechanical failure of the pickup truck.
Case No. 55 Sa 53 fety Study

Case No. 55

Investigation No: NRH-96-F-HX13

Location: Roxbury, Vermont

Date and Time: August 27, 1996, about 7:48 a.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1980 Western Star log truck, Prentice 210 loader,

1980 Evans pup trailer

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One nonfatal

Railroad: Six nonfatal

Accident Description

On August 27, 1996, about 7:48 a.m., a southbound passenger train struck an

eastbound empty logging truck, loader, and trailer near Roxbury, Vermont. The

truckdriver, two train crewmembers, and four train passengers were injured. The train’s

horn was activated. The assistant train engineer noticed the truck turn right from a parallel

roadway and drive onto the crossing in front of the train. The grade crossing had an

unrestricted sight distance.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s failure to look or listen for the approaching train. Contributing

to the accident were roadway conditions that limited the truckdriver’s ability to see the

train.
Case No. 56 Sa 54 fety Study

Case No. 56

Investigation No: ATL-96-F-RX25

Location: Perry Township, Ohio

Date and Time: July 30, 1996, about 7:00 a.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1982 Ford Econoline van

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: Unknown

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: No

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: No

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: N/A

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: No

Injuries:

Highway: None

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On July 30, 1996, about 7:00 a.m., a westbound freight train struck a southbound

vehicle in Perry Township, Ohio. The grade crossing was private, and no signs were

installed. The driver of the vehicle said that he and his passenger were talking about work

when he drove the van onto the crossing without stopping or slowing. The driver said that

after he entered the crossing, he saw the oncoming train, stopped, and attempted to back

off the crossing to clear the track. The driver was familiar with the grade crossing and did

not expect to see a train at that time of day.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s failure to look due to the distraction of conversation with a

passenger.
Case No. 57 Sa 55 fety Study

Case No. 57

Investigation No: ATL-96-F-RX23

Location: Bennettsville, South Carolina

Date and Time: August 12, 1996, about 12:43 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1992 Mack trash truck

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: N/A

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: One nonfatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On August 12, 1996, about 12:43 p.m., a northbound freight train struck an

eastbound trash truck, injuring the truckdriver, at Bennettsville, South Carolina. The

grade crossing was equipped with crossbuck and approach warning signs. The traincrew

stated the truck was moving at a high rate of speed and made no attempt to stop before

entering the crossing. No obstructions were in the line of sight to the track. The

truckdriver stated that he did not hear or see the train approaching, even though he said

that he was moving about 45 mph and should have been able to see the train and stop.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the truckdriver’s failure to look for the approaching train.
Case No. 58 Sa 56 fety Study

Case No. 58

Investigation No: ATL-96-F-RX24

Location: Columbus, Ohio

Date and Time: August 12, 1996, about 10:40 p.m.

Light Conditions: Dark with electrical illumination

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1994 Ybird YB-8 tractor/trailer

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: No

Auxiliary Lights On: Yes

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: No

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: No

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: None

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On August 12, 1996, about 10:40 p.m., a southbound freight train struck a westbound

tractor/trailer near Columbus, Ohio. Crossbuck and stop signs were installed at the grade

crossing. The truckdriver stated that he saw the train about 40 feet away, thought it was

stopped, and drove the truck onto the crossing. The train was moving approximately 4

mph. As the truck entered the crossing, the truckdriver realized the train was moving, and

he accelerated the truck before it was struck.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the truckdriver’s disregard of the stop sign. Contributing to the accident

were the truckdriver’s misjudgment of the movement of the train and the engineer’s

failure to sound the train horn.
Case No. 59 Sa 57 fety Study

Case No. 59

Investigation No: SRH-96-F-HX22

Location: Hawthorne, Florida

Date and Time: August 26, 1996, about 11:50 a.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1995 Honda Civic

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: N/A

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: No

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: No

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: Two fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On August 26, 1996, about 11:50 a.m., a northbound freight train struck an

eastbound vehicle at a private grade crossing near Hawthorne, Florida. Both occupants of

the car were ejected and killed; neither was wearing the available restraints. A witness

reported that the train horn was sounded as the train approached the crossing and that the

driver crossed in front of the train. The unpaved driveway from the driver’s residence

runs parallel to the tracks for about 20 feet before the crossing, where it turns abruptly to

the right. A sight obstruction was created by trees and overgrown foliage to the south near

the crossing.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s failure to look for the approaching train. Contributing to the

accident were the roadway conditions that limited the driver’s ability to see the train.
Case No. 60 Sa 58 fety Study

Case No. 60

Investigation No: WRH-96-F-HX15

Location: Los Molinos, California

Date and Time: August 27, 1996, about 3:09 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1991 Geo Prizm

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: N/A

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes (modified)

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: Yes

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: Two fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On August 27, 1996, about 3:09 p.m., a southbound freight train struck an eastbound

vehicle, fatally injuring its two occupants, on a private grade crossing near Los Molinos,

California. According to the train engineer, he had started to sound the train horn when he

noticed the car slowly enter onto the tracks without stopping. The driver was looking to

her right. As the train got closer, he saw the car move back and forth in a rocking motion,

but without the vehicle covering any distance.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s disregard of the stop sign.
Case No. 61 Sa 59 fety Study

Case No. 61

Investigation No: CRH-96-F-HX13

Location: Brownsboro, Texas

Date and Time: August 24, 1996, about 6:10 a.m.

Light Conditions: Dawn

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1967 Ford F-100 pickup truck

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Unknown

Auxiliary Lights On: Unknown

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: No

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: No

Nearby Intersections: Yes

Injuries:

Highway: Two fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On August 24, 1996, about 6:10 a.m., an eastbound freight train struck a southbound

pickup truck, fatally injuring its occupants, near Brownsboro, Texas. According to the

train’s conductor, the truck had stopped and was accelerating across the tracks when the

collision occurred. A 15-foot-high pile of gravel was present that would have obscured

the driver’s view of the train while approaching the crossing. However, the driver should

have been able to see the train while stopped at the crossing.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s inattention to the approaching train.
Case No. 62 Sa 60 fety Study

Case No. 62

Investigation No: LAX-96-F-RX13

Location: Naponee, Nebraska

Date and Time: August 23, 1996, about 1:30 p.m.

Light Conditions: Daytime

Accident Type: Train struck vehicle

Highway Vehicle Involved: 1978 Ford Courier

Train Action Reported:

Horn Sounded: Yes

Auxiliary Lights On: N/A

Signs Present:

Crossbuck: Yes

Advance Warning: Yes

Multiple Track: N/A

Stop: No

Physical Characteristics:

Limited Sight Distance: Yes

Intersection Angle not 90 Degrees: Yes

Road or Track Curve: Yes

Nearby Intersections: No

Injuries:

Highway: One fatal

Railroad: None

Accident Description

On August 23, 1996, about 1:30 p.m., a westbound freight train struck a northbound

vehicle, fatally injuring its driver, near Naponee, Nebraska. The grade crossing is

equipped with crossbuck and advance warning signs. The train engineer stated that he

sounded the horn to get the driver’s attention, but the driver was looking in the opposite

direction. The vehicle never slowed before impact.

Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this

accident was the driver’s failure to look for the approaching train. Contributing to the

accident were the roadway conditions that limited the driver’s ability to see the train.