NCJ Number
97829
Date Published
1984
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This training key provides guidelines for the effective investigation of railroad grade crossing accidents, with emphasis on cooperation between police and railroad representatives.
Abstract
The role of the police in such events is twofold: implementation of emergency procedures related to aiding the injured, controlling traffic, and gathering basic information and evidence in a thorough investigation of the accident. In addition to gathering vehicle identification and damage information, the investigator should thoroughly inspect the vehicle for factors which may have affected its performance immediately before the accident. Although faulty equipment on vehicles or at crossings does cause some accidents, the largest percentage are attributable to driver performance. Since a significant number of such accidents are believed to be attempted suicides, possible indicators of suicide should be noted, and the coroner or medical examiner should be advised of any suspicions. The investigation should examine train performance and railroad regulations in assessing contributing factors. A grade crossing examination should assess the position and functioning of warning devices, the terrain along with the approach to the crossing, the sight distance, and the roughness/smoothness of the crossing surface. Witness interviews should be conducted with survivors, other motorists and pedestrians, the train crew, and those who live or work in the vicinity of the crossing. Photographs are useful in documenting the scene at the time of the accident and should be taken from both track directions and from different vantage points. Questions on this material and their answers are provided.