Should Map Apps Alert Users of Railroad Crossings?
Should Map Apps Alert Users of Railroad Crossings?

Vehicle-train collisions are on the rise, prompting regulatory agencies to call for tech companies to include railroad crossings in their maps. According to Operation Lifesaver, railroad accidents have traditionally gone down in recent years. However, they rose 8.8% from 2013 to 2014. The increase in crossing fatalities was even more drastic—up 15.6% from 2013.

What Causes Accidents at Railroad Crossings?

Why the sharp increase in these accidents? Driver error is cited in the majority of cases. More specifically, officials cite the use of mobile devices while driving as a major contributor to the problem.

As a response to the problem, the Federal Railroad Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have asked digital mapping companies to add features that alert users of upcoming railroad track crossings. Google is the first company to agree to the request.

Google has yet to report when the alerts will be added to Google Maps. In the meantime, drivers should strive to be aware of their surroundings and pay close attention to warning signs near railroad crossings.

Operation Lifesaver is working to educate people on railroad safety through their campaign “See Tracks? Think Train.” For tips and educational material, visit http://www.seetracksthinktrain.org. You can also download a toolkit that you can print and share to help spread awareness in your community.

“The recent increase in train incidents is part of the overarching problem of distracted driving that plagues our society. We hope to see Google and other tech companies add railroad crossings to their apps in the near future,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you’ve been injured in an accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer today. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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