Vehicle-Train Collisions Increasing in ND | Video

Amy Fox | 10/18/2012

In the last five years, the number of vehicle-train collisions throughout North Dakota has increased by more than 50 percent, resulting in 45 injuries and 11 fatalities.

But, who`s to blame for all these crashes?

With more people moving to the state, many drivers aren`t familiar with railroad crossings. While other drivers choose to ignore the yield signs at railroads without cross arms, especially in rural areas.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol says drivers need to slow down and use caution when approaching a railroad crossing.

"The train`s actually going a lot faster than it looks due to its size. It looks like its going slower, but in all reality, when it gets close, it is actually going very fast,” said Northwest Region Highway Patrol Captain Gary Orluck.

Orluck says trains can travel up to 60-80 miles per hour.

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