Safety Rail/Highway Tips & Rules
The Law and Railroad Crossing Signals In most states, motor vehicle laws read: "Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing and signals indicate an approaching train, the driver of such vehicle shall stop within fifteen feet from the nearest rail of such railroad and shall not proceed until he can do…
LOOK. LISTEN. LIVE
Trains are a great addition to the Twin Cities. But like any moving vehicle, they come with warnings. Make safety a priority on and around trains. Adults and children should learn how to be safe around the tracks. National studies show that light-rail trains are safer than cars, trucks – and even buses. Metro Transit…
The importance of investigating railroad crossing accidents
Many police officers have had the unpleasant experience of investigating a railroad crossing accident. In addition to the human carnage found at the scene, officers know that these investigations are, by necessity, detailed and burdensome. The officer knows that he will be questioned by investigators and lawyers. Civil trials often result from railroad crossing accidents,…
Amtrak Accidents
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (better known as Amtrak) is a for-profit corporation that operates intercity passenger rail services in 46 States and the District of Columbia, in addition to serving as a contractor in various capacities for several commuter rail agencies. Rail service in Alaska is operated by the Alaska Railroad Corporation. Amtrak was…
“Railroad Passenger Accidents and Injuries”
Article Author: Paul E. Godlewski Railroads continue to play a vital role in the American economy with more than one hundred thousand miles of rail line throughout the country. While passenger use of railroads has declined over time, rail transportation continues as a popular high-volume, low-cost method to ship freight and goods. The ongoing use…
Highway-Rail Crossing Program
Summary A highway-railroad grade crossing is an intersection where a roadway crosses railroad tracks at the same level (referred to by civil engineers as the same “grade”). America’s landscape is currently dotted with more than 250,000 public and private highway-rail grade crossings. In recent years, roughly 300-400 deaths have occurred annually at the Nation’s grade…
HIGHWAY-RAIL SAFETY: LOOK, LISTEN…LIVE!
Operation Lifesaver urges everyday motorists and professional drivers to remember these tips: Never drive around lowered gates – it’s illegal and deadly. If you suspect a signal is malfunctioning, call the 1-800 number posted on or near the crossing signal or your local law enforcement agency. Never race a train to the crossing – even…
“Train Accidents Blamed on Maintenance Cutbacks, Crew Fatigue”
Article Author: Paul E. Godlewski Serious train accidents are caused by a variety of mechanical and/or human factors. A spokesman for the Federal Railroad Administration in Washington and others have suggested that many mechanical failures are actually a result of deferred maintenance. The railroad companies, he said, in an effort to eke out greater profits…
Railroad Accidents – History
NOTE: Very few passengers were killed in a single U.S. train wreck up until 1853. These early trains ran slowly and made short trips, night travel was rare, and there were not many of them in operation. 1831 June 17, nr. Charleston, S.C.: boiler exploded on America’s first passenger locomotive, The Best Friend of…
Light Rail Train Accidents – Metro Transit
INTRODUCTION TO METRO TRANSIT Beginning June 26, 2004, the Hiawatha Line offers fast, quiet light-rail service to 12 stations between downtown Minneapolis and Fort Snelling. Dozens of bus routes are timed to connect with trains at Hiawatha Line stations, making it easy to get to work, to shopping or wherever you need to be. Hop…
“Federal Employers Liability Act – F.E.L.A”
Article Author: Larry E. Stern What is the FELA? In 1908, Congress passed the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). This law assures a railroad employee a safe work place and gives them and their families the right to recover compensation if injured is a railroad related accident. Many railroad workers have been led to believe…
Types of compensation recoverable in a wrongful death lawsuit
A wrongful death lawsuit maintains that a decedent was killed as a result of the negligence (or other liability) on the part of the defendant. It also states that the surviving dependents or beneficiaries are entitled to monetary damages as a result of the defendant’s conduct. The following types of damages are considered in a…
“Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit”
A wrongful death lawsuit is one in which the survivors of an individual killed as a result of the fault of someone else, whether it be an individual, business or corporation. In Minnesota, blood relatives (referred to under the law as “next of kin”) are entitled to recover damages for their losses as a result…
Minnesota Wrongful Death Law : State of Minnesota
573.02 Action for death by wrongful act; survival of actions. Subdivision 1. Death action. When death is caused by the wrongful act or omission of any person or corporation, the trustee appointed as provided in subdivision 3 may maintain an action there for if the decedent might have maintained an action, had the decedent lived,…
MNOSHA Standards and Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 gives employees the right to file complaints about workplace safety and health hazards. Further, the act gives complainants the right to request that their names not be revealed to their employers. Complaints from employees and their representatives are taken seriously by OSHA. Minnesota OSHA Rules, Minnesota…
CHASE Partnerships
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) implemented a major safety-initiative in 2003 that is designed to reduce the number of injuries, illnesses and fatalities at participant construction industry employers. The initiative — Construction Health and Safety Excellence (CHASE) Minnesota — was jointly agreed to in February 2003 by Associated General Contractors of Minnesota…
Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction Program for Small Construction Employers
Minnesota Statutes § 182.653 subd. 8 requires that each employer in certain specified industries establish a safety and health program known as "A Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction (AWAIR)" program. Key to an AWAIR program is the establishment of the goals and objectives of your safety and health program. The goals should be clear and…
Minnesota Dog Bite Law
The Minnesota dog bite law is one of the most favorable to dog bite victims. It actually covers both bites and other injuries, and applies not only to the owner of the attacking dog but also the person who harbors or keeps the dog. Minn. Stat. Ann. sec. 347.22: Damages, owner liable. If a dog,…
How to Prevent Dog Bites
Over 4 million people are bitten by dogs every year. Here’s how you can keep canines from baring their teeth Dogs may be man’s best friend, but they’re not always chummy with children. Every year in the United States an estimated 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs, ranging from minor nips to major attacks….
Criminal Penalties For Dog Bites and Attacks
There are circumstances in which a dog bite can lead to jail time. The dog owner therefore must be concerned with the local county and municipal codes as well as state law. Furthermore, violation of a county or municipal code section might lead to more serious charges under state law, such as where the dog…