NCDOT stages train-car crash to demonstrate safety concerns

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) last week staged and videotaped a train hitting a remote-controlled car at a grade crossing as part of a campaign to educate the public about railroad safety.

The car, fitted with crash dummies, did not get over the crossing before the train smashed into it, NCDOT officials said in a press release.

"All the injuries and deaths we see at railroad crossings are preventable if motorists would respect the railroad crossing," said Roger Smock, who coordinates NCDOT's BeRailSafe program and helped organize last week's simulation.

There have been 21 crashes at grade crossings this year in North Carolina. Of those, five were fatal and six caused injuries. Last year, there were 48 crashes at railroad crossings, which resulted in nine fatalities and 17 injuries.

"It's our hope, that by showing the impact that occurs when a vehicle attempts to race a locomotive to a crossing, drivers will think twice when approaching railroad tracks," said Smock. "Trains cannot stop quickly, and for this reason they have the right-of-way over all highway traffic, including emergency vehicles."

The simulation was conducted by NCDOT's BeRailSafe in partnership with North Carolina Operation Lifesaver.