Metra Union Pacific Northwest Hits Car Driven by Kelly O’Brien

A train headed for a station in downtown Chicago was stopped when a vehicle attempted to cross the tracks in front of it.

Monday, February 24, 60-year-old Kelly O’Brien tried to beat a train at a crossing and lost.

Based on reports, around 11:30 a.m. O’Brien tried to drive around the crossing arms that were already down for the passing train.

The train (#642) struck the vehicle and pushed it down the tracks before being able to come to a complete stop.

This happened about one-fifth of a mile south of the Arlington Heights train station.

Depending on the speed the train is traveling, it can take them up to 18 football field lengths to stop.

Both O’Brien and a passenger in the car were taken to Northwest Community Hospital. They are reported to have injuries, but none that are considered life-threatening.

Police issued O’Brien with a citation for disobeying the activated rail crossing arms.

A Metra Alert was issued regarding the accident. Trains in both directions were expected to experience long delays due to the accident.

There is no mention if O’Brien was impaired at the time of the accident.

Statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that in a five-year period, they observed 798 fatalities involving a motor vehicle and a train. This was partially due to people ignoring the safety standards for train crossings.

Stop. Look. Listen. Trains have the right-of-way when they are coming down a track. It is best to wait for them to pass before attempting to go through a crossing.

Once you are crossing a track, don’t stop. Keep going and if your vehicle were to stall on the tracks, call the numbers on the surrounding signage. Calling 911 may be necessary too.

Don’t try to go around lowered crossing arms. This was what O’Brien tried to do. Luckily, they survived the accident. In a lot of situations, train accident victims are not so lucky.

The accident involving O’Brien is still being investigated by police. Should new information become available, updates will be provided.