WESTSIDE, Fla – A violent train crash yesterday is raising safety concerns about intersections near train tracks.
Florida Highway Patrol says the driver, who has not been identified, was illegally parked on the tracks at the time of the crash. According to FHP, the driver failed to move after the train blew its horn several times, or while the crossing arms were coming down.
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The accident happened around 7 p.m. Thursday night at the intersection of Timuquana Road and Roosevelt Boulevard.
Now, FHP is taking a closer look at the amount of space given to drivers to wait at the traffic signal between the tracks.
"In this particular area, when you're talking about the distance and the traffic signal on Roosevelt Boulevard and the tracks here at Timuquana, you're looking at about 20 feet, so there's a distance for one vehicle to clear the tracks," said Ron Tittle, who is with the Florida Department of Transportation.
Only one car fit in that space, and many people stopped on the tracks when the light is red. That's something drivers are not supposed to do, according to Tittle.
Tittle also says whenever an accident like this happens, FDOT will always investigate what changes can be made to the area to prevent another accident from happening.
FDOT, CSX, and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office are collaborating to make sure people are aware of the rules to try and prevent future crashes.
"We try to work together to push out safety information message, so we are making a consorted effort to try to help inform the public more about being careful and cautious around these crossing," said Tittle.
None of the 157 passengers on the Amtrack train were injured in the crash.