On February 3, six people were killed when a Metro North train hit an SUV on the Harlem line which has highlighted again the dangers of railroad crossings.
In 2013 across the United States, there were almost 2,100 collisions at crossings and more than 200 people died which amounts to about four deaths a week.
Federal Railroad Administration statistics show that Stamford has more than its fair share of railway crossing fatalities.
Looking at the New Haven Line in Connecticut, from 1993 to 2013, the three most accident prone crossings were in Stamford, all on Hope Street. During that time frame there were six accidents at the railroad crossing at Hope Street and Largo Drive, six at Hope and Riverbend Drive South, and three at Hope and Viaduct Road, including one fatality.
Each of the remaining crossings on the list of the top ten had two accidents during those years. They include the Camp Avenue crossing in Darien, the Grove Street crossing in New Canaan and the Commerce Street crossing in Norwalk.
The other crossings with two accidents each were in Danbury, Ansonia, Milford and Redding, with two fatalities and he crossing at Crescent Street in Stamford had one collision during that period.
Metro North officials say the accidents are the fault of motorists although many say the signals or flashing lights did not work. Although Metro North denies this, motorists should always take great care at these crossings.
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in an accident in Connecticut, contact the Stamford accident attorneys at Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP. We can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call us at (888) 244-5480 – or Click here for a free case evaluation.
