For the second time in 10 days, a motorist was injured in a collision with a Gold Line train after crashing through lowered fiberglass crossing gates along the route between Los Angeles and Pasadena, raising anew the issue of safety along commuter lines running through heavily populated areas.The crash Friday morning at Avenue 50 and Marmion Way injured six people, including the driver of a Toyota RAV-4 who tried to outrun the train, ignoring flashing signals and ringing bells, authorities said, citing witness reports.
Bystanders pulled the woman from her small SUV before it burst into flames, officials said. The driver, who was not identified, is in stable condition at Huntington Hospital, authorities said.
“We don’t know why she did not stop at the gate,” said V.J. Khawani, director of corporate safety for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. “Why do people go through red traffic signals and not stop? I really don’t know.”
On Sept. 11, a Gold Line train hit a Ford pickup, injuring seven people including the driver, during morning rush hour at Avenue 55 and Marmion Way in Highland Park, just blocks from the scene of Friday’s crash. Witnesses reported seeing the pickup try to beat the crossing gates at the intersection, said Sheriff’s Lt. Ron Kegel.
The crashes — the only serious injury accidents on the Gold Line since it opened in July 2003 — come as the state Public Utilities Commission, which oversees the safety of rail crossings, scrutinizes the proposed light-rail Expo Line.
I wish there were more traffic patrols in these areas. Everyone in their car who crosses the rail while talking on the phone, texting, eating, or not paying attention for whatever reason, should be fined!
Commuter lines are not dangerous! It’s the people who are distracted by gadgets that are dangerous!
No guns, no open alcohol. We know these rules. Please, add to the law: no cell phones, no blackberries, no palm pilots, no tv and movie screens.
The car should be for transportation, not for amusement.
RSS
One time I was hanging around on Mission in South Pas where the Gold Line crosses the street. It’s amazing the amount of cars that either zoom through at the last minute, maneuver around, one car paused on the tracks as the gates were coming down around it–then sped away. The police were on it! They were giving out tickets like breadcrumbs at pigeon convention.
It’s good to hear that onlookers pulled her out in time.
I was working in Pasadena when the Gold Line construction had just commenced and having long known the problems with the Blue Line just rolled my eyes all those at-grade crossings where the trains would intersect with traffic. I’m actually surprised that there haven’t been more collisions.
I agree! I think laws need to be much stricter in regards to driving. Nice to hear someone else say that.