Opinion ID: 1657126
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Flashing Lights

Text: The Railroad contends that the evidence was insufficient to show its knowledge that the lights were not working, or to prove causation. Several witnesses testified that they neither saw the lights flashing nor heard the bells ringing. Extensive testimony demonstrated that the train crew had a duty to be on the lookout for the lights, or that the crew actually did look at the lights. From this testimony, the jury could have believed that the lights were not flashing, and that the crew knew or should have known this fact. In arguing causation, the Railroad misinterprets the theory behind this submission. The flashing lights are intended to warn drivers that a train is coming. If the lights are not working, then the train has a duty to provide that warning by alternate means, such as lowering its speed so drivers see the train for a longer period of time before the train blocks the entire crossing. As such, the failure to slacken the speed contributed to cause the collision. The decision in Easterwood does not clearly prohibit this submission. Where a specific, individual hazard exists, a train has a duty to slow down or stop. See Easterwood, ___ U.S. at ___ n. 15, 113 S.Ct. at 1743 n. 15. Easterwood does not directly address whether this duty is preempted. Id. The evidence was sufficient to support submission of the failure of the flashing lights.