Posted On:
September 12, 2009
9th fatal pedestrian-train accident in Washington this year
The Seattle Times reports that a man was hit and killed by an Amtrak train while walking on a railroad trestle over the Lewis River south of Woodland on Friday afternoon. This is the ninth pedestrian accident involving a train in Washington so far this year.
The train was traveling from Seattle to Vancouver on the BNSF Railway.
Apparently the man and a companion were on the trestle looking for a place to swim.
It is tragic that so many pedestrians have lost their lives this year. Use the following common sense safety tips when walking near train tracks:
- Never walk down a train track. Not only is it illegal but it is dangerous. Trains always have the right-of-way.
- Only cross railway tracks at designated crossing and never go around or over lower crossing gates.
- Always expect a train to be arriving. Even if a track has weeds or looks rusty, you must assume that it is in use.
- You won't always hear an approaching train. Modern trains are quieter than you might think. In some areas, trains will not blow warning horns, especially near residential areas.
- Approaching trains are moving faster and are closer than you think.
Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or attorney@hgfarber.com to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.
