Louisiana Ranks 4th in Train-Vehicle Crashes, Injuries

Louisiana recorded fewer vehicle-train collisions and fatalities last year, but the number of related injuries rose slightly. That’s according to preliminary 2011 data from the Federal Railroad Administration.

Louisiana Operation Lifesaver said the state ranked fourth nationally in the number of collisions and fourth in injuries The state had the ninth-highest number of fatalities.

Six people were reported injured when a train struck an 18-wheeler in Slidell on April 20.

Jefferson Parish ranked in the top five Louisiana parishes for vehicle-train crashes. The others were East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Caddo and Tangipahoa.

Pedestrian deaths and injuries at train tracks decreased nationally and in Louisiana. Louisiana ranked 14th nationally in injuries and 30th in fatalities, with Bossier, Calcasieu, Lafayette and Orleans in the top four parishes.

“Louisiana Operation Lifesaver is pleased to see that the number of vehicle-train collisions and fatalities statewide were lower last year,” said Pat Edwards, executive director of Louisiana Operation Lifesaver, a nonprofit organization that tries to reduce the number of train crashes by providing targeted safety and prevention programs.

“Through the efforts of our strong volunteer program and our partnerships with the railroads operating in Louisiana, law enforcement and transportation safety agencies, we are all working together to encourage citizens to make safe decisions near railroad crossings and tracks.”

The number of Louisiana rail crossing collisions declined from 106 in 2010 to 96 in 2011. Crossing fatalities fell from 13 to nine, and crossing injuries rose from 67 to 68.

Nationally the number of vehicle-train collisions nationally decreased by 3 percent to 1,956. The 2011 collisions resulted in 262 deaths and 964 injuries.

Nationwide, 428 pedestrians were killed and 346 injured while on train tracks last year, versus 434 deaths and 388 injuries in 2010. Total pedestrian deaths dropped 1.4 percent and pedestrian injuries dropped 10.8 percent.