Photo: Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images
There's been another fatal crash involving a Brightline train.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office says a male pedestrian was standing in between the north and southbound FEC tracks near 10th Avenue North in Lake Worth Beach around 9 a.m. Wednesday and did not move as the high-speed train was approaching.
The person, whose age and identity are unknown, was struck by the train and died at the scene.
Authorities say all of the accidents involving Brightline trains have been avoidable, most coming from people on the tracks or drivers trying to beat the train.
PBSO offered these tips:
Here are some important safety tips from Operation Lifesaver, a national nonprofit focused on reducing grade crossing incidents and promoting rail safety.
- The train you see is closer and faster moving than you think.
- Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly.
- Never drive around lowered gates — it's illegal and deadly.
- Do not get trapped on the tracks; proceed through a highway-rail grade crossing only if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping.
- If your vehicle ever stalls on the tracks, get out and get away from the tracks, even if you do not see a train. Locate the Emergency Notification System sign and call the number provided, telling them about the stalled vehicle.
- At a multiple track crossing waiting for a train to pass, watch out for a second train on the other tracks, approaching from either direction.
- When you need to cross train tracks, go to a designated crossing, look both ways, and cross the tracks quickly, without stopping. Remember it isn't safe to stop closer than 15 feet from a rail.
- ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN!