DPS breaks down Costal Bend train accident statistics

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Data from the Federal Railroad Association shows Texas has the highest number of train crashes in the nation, with a recent fatal accident in Jim Wells County bringing railroad safety to the forefront.

Sergeant Rob Mallory, spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety, said there have been numerous train crashes involving cars along the coast.

“About four accidents in the Jim Wells area of ​​Duval County, three in Nueces, two in San Patricio, one in Refugio and two in Live Oak,” Mallory said.

Jim Wells County Sheriff Danny Bueno said there are often many factors at play in an incident like this.

“Sometimes people are in a hurry, sometimes they are on their phone or their radio is too loud and they can’t hear the train coming,” Bueno said.

Local resident Luis Barrera lives near the crash site and said there are things residents should keep in mind if they live in the area or are simply driving by.

“I’ve lived here my whole life and I’m very aware of the train,” he said. “Since we live near the tracks here, we constantly need to know what’s happening.”

Even though trains are something Barrera sees every day, he would still like to see more done to improve safety, for example by building additional platforms.

“It would be nice if we had it, but unfortunately we don’t have it at the moment, but yes, it is something we are thinking about,” he said.

Mallory said that regardless of the signage, sometimes being alert and keeping an eye on your surroundings can mean the difference between life and death.

“You have to act as if a train is coming every time you approach a stop sign,” he said.