The Minnesota State Patrol this week released dashcam video footage showing a truck driver ignoring crossing warning lights at a CN crossing in Minnesota. The video is unusual in that it is a complete record of the event, from the truck driver failing to yield, his rig being struck and dragged down the tracks, and a state trooper rushing to the truck and locomotives.
The incident happened on Jan. 20 when Minnesota State Patrol Sgt. Jeff Shay pulled the truck over for an inspection near a railroad crossing south of Mountain Iron. When Shay completes the inspection, he returns to his car and the truck pulls away. Incredibly, the driver then drives straight ahead and into the locomotives of a northbound train going through the crossing on the former Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range, even though the crossing lights are flashing and the train is sounding its horn. The train dragged the truck about a quarter mile before it stopped. Shay then drives up the right-of-way and checks the truck and locomotive cabs to make sure no one was injured.
The train crew can be heard asking Shay about the condition of the semi driver. You can hear them say that they weren’t going fast and had blown the train’s horn “way early.” The semi driver was cited for failing to stop at a railroad crossing. There were no serious injuries from the crash; although the 67-year-old truck driver suffered a cut near his eye, the Patrol said.
“This incident highlights the ongoing need for drivers and pedestrians to always be aware of their surroundings and cautious around all railroad crossings,” Sheryl Cummings, executive director of Minnesota Operation Lifesaver tells Trains News Wire.
“The driver refers to another crossing with which he is familiar and this too, illustrates an important point that one should always expect a train because becoming complacent, distracted, or impatient can have disastrous consequences,” Cummings says. “We are not only grateful for the health and safety of the driver, but also the opportunity to educate the public about how to make safer decisions around tracks and trains through the release of this footage.”
Canadian National Spokesman Patrick Waldron says the railroad is aware of the video as well.
“CN works with Operation Lifesaver and others in the industry to spread important safety messages throughout North America about the dangers of trespassing and the importance of crossing safety. Crossing safety is included in our 10 easy tips that can save lives. That includes number 4 — look for signals and respect them,” Waldron says.
