HOLLYWOOD – Over the previous 5 years, there have been 1,622 railway accidents in Florida.
Just in 2021 alone, 52 folks died, that is in accordance to the newest statistics from the Federal Railroad Administration and that is a part of the rationale why practice operators and law enforcement are holding National Rail Safety week.
The statistics are nonetheless being tabulated for 2022, however simply this Monday, a pedestrian was hit and killed by a practice in Hollywood. Bystanders close to the scene had been saddened to see what occurred.
“I hope whoever passed away that their family is OK. I give them my condolences,” Brianna Rodden stated.
It’s unclear at this level what led to the collision, however it’s one thing some who stay close by assume occurs too typically.
“And right here there are no fences or nothing. There’s only the rails right there,” Rodden added.
This rising concern over safety is a part of the rationale why Brightline is partnering with law enforcement businesses in South Florida to implement and educate drivers and pedestrians of the principles close to railroad tracks. That means doubtlessly extra citations, however a possibility to elevate consciousness.
“When BSO did their operation Crossing guard a few weeks ago we went over 10 weeks without an incident,” Patrick Goddard, Brightline President stated.
CBS4 additionally requested Brightline about why some safety measures are solely being added now.
Goddard defined that intensive planning and cooperation with federal businesses went into designing protected crossings and practice corridors, however changes are essential. “So, then you start to identify hot spots where these incidents are occurring,” he stated.
This summer time, Brightline introduced it will be utilizing over $20 million in state and native grants for safety enhancements that embody extra poles to divert site visitors, with 22 miles of added fencing, alongside with 9 new digital indicators in Broward and Palm Beach Counties that may change from varied messaging wants.
The indicators “warn motorists and pedestrians of approaching trains and offer suicide crisis messaging,” Goodard stated.
The adjustments will probably be accomplished on the finish of 2023.
Meanwhile, Brightline has reported that ridership is climbing and it’s working to lengthen all the way in which to Orlando.
