ORLANDO, Fla. — There have been three crashes involving Brightline trains in Florida since the weekend.
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In response, the company is stressing safety and reminding both pedestrians and drivers to stay off the tracks.
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The most recent incident occurred in Palm Beach County Wednesday morning and sent one person to the hospital.
Video shows the driver moving their car around the downed railroad gates. The Brightline operator tries to honk their horn, but it’s no help.
The train collided with the car, splitting it in two.
Some basic Railroad Crossing tips that we should all understand and follow! It is extremely important for your safety and the safety of others to always pay attention and use caution while crossing the tracks. 🚊🚞🚂 #RespecttheRails #MPDSafety pic.twitter.com/2a47tisQse
— Miami PD (@MiamiPD) February 11, 2022
“What makes these events so tragic is that it’s preventable,’ Brightline Senior Vice President Ben Porritt said.
Porritt says they’re seeing drivers make dangerous decisions that put their lives and the lives of others at risk.
Construction on Brightline’s Orlando extension is well underway with training runs already taking place in the area.
Currently, the training runs are topping out at a maximum speed of 60 miles per hour, but once regular operations begin, trains on some stretches of the Orlando extension will reach up to 125 miles per hour.
Brightline is working to educate people ahead of time so everyone is prepared when the trains start running full-speed.
“Never drive around gates. Never stop on the tracks. And when you see the tracks, always expect a train could be coming and follow the law,’ Brightline spokesperson Katie Mitzner said.
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Brightline recently partnered with Miami-Dade County on a red light camera program at two railroad crossings. Officials say during a six-week stretch, they recorded approximately 600 cars driving around downed gates.
“A few seconds is not worth putting your life at risk,” Porritt said.
Keep your eyes and ears open as we continue qualifying runs between West Palm Beach and Cocoa! Per federal statute, Brightline and freight trains will be required to blow the horn as they approach at-grade crossings or in an emergency situation. #RailSafety pic.twitter.com/j63FVuxymX
— Brightline (@GoBrightline) February 12, 2022
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