What Should You Do If You Get Rear-Ended onto Train Tracks Like This Jeep Driver? | Carscoops

      A representative from a train company suggests that drivers should break the safety arms if they find themselves trapped on the tracks.

      7 hours ago

      by Thanos Pappas

      A driver in a Jeep Cherokee ended up on the train tracks after being rear-ended by a Ram truck.

      As the train approached, the driver tried to back up but was obstructed by the safety arms.

      Fortunately, the driver was able to exit the vehicle just before the train struck.

      A terrifying incident took place in Layton, Utah, last week, involving a Jeep Cherokee and a FrontRunner train. Luckily, there were no injuries, as the SUV driver escaped before the impact.

      The event happened on February 4 and was recorded by a security camera. The footage shows a sequence of mishaps: the Jeep Cherokee was hit from behind by a Ram truck while attempting to stop at a train crossing. Consequently, the SUV became stuck on the tracks, with the crossing gates closing behind it.

      Instead of moving forward to safety, the Jeep driver chose to reverse, colliding with the gate arms twice in the process. The slow speed resulted in no significant damage to the arms, but it didn’t free the vehicle. Recognizing that the situation was deteriorating quickly, the driver made the swift decision to leave the SUV and escape to safety.

      Just seconds later, the train struck the front of the Jeep, obliterating the crossing post and bringing down the safety arms. A camera on the train indicated that the operator activated the emergency brake and sounded the horn in an attempt to halt the train, but it was evident that stopping the large FrontRunner train in time was not feasible.

      According to the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), the accident resulted in over $100,000 in damage to the train alone, not including the cost of the Jeep or the destroyed crossing post.

      Gavin Gustafson, the senior public information officer for the Utah Transit Authority, discussed the incident with KSL TV, stating: “In the heat of the moment, out of panic, they jumped out of the car just before the train hit it. Considering everything, everyone is quite fortunate to have escaped without injuries.”

      Reflecting on the driver’s choice not to move forward, Gustafson expressed some understanding: “I’m certainly not going to criticize them in that moment. Sometimes, visibility may be obstructed, or you may hesitate to move forward if another train is approaching.”

      Gustafson advised drivers to be very mindful when nearing train crossings, recommending they break the safety arms if they find themselves trapped on the tracks: “Use your eyes and ears, trust your instincts, and pay attention to the arms, flashing lights, red lights, and ringing bells. It's better to break the gate arms; they are far less significant than your safety or your vehicle. This is definitely preferable to the outcome that occurred.”