Train's eye view of first light rail collision

"I think we need more education"

11:04 AM CST on Thursday, December 18, 2003

By Jeremy Desel / 11 News

Click to watch video

HOUSTON – There was another accident Wednesday where a driver ran into a light rail car. And as police investigate the accident at Fannin and Southmore in the Medical Center area, there are new images of the first wreck weeks ago and you can see how it happened.

It's a view you've never seen, the train's eye view. Each new light rail car is equipped with surveillance cameras that provide views from all sides of the train car.

Metro A camera on board the train shows the SUV turning in front of it.

During the early stages of testing the cars were trailed by a metro police escort, but even that couldn't stop an accident.

The video shows a white Cherokee is in a lane clearly marked no turns. The train is coming from behind and the driver turns right in front of the train. There was minor damage to both vehicles. But it didn't stop the train from continuing on with its test.

Metro says it illustrates a common problem on the line. "Left turns, right turns across where the tracks are now," says Metro spokesperson Ken Connaughton. "The signs are there. It is just a matter of the motorists using good common motoring sense."

But in many places the signs are small and the turns are tempting. "I think we need more education," says Adriane Ho. "I think it is quite dangerous."

"I didn't know if I should have made a left turn or not there," said one driver. "It is confusing. But I guess I'll get used to it."

In just about two weeks the trains will be running full time, no longer empty and no longer a test.

Wednesday another car hit a train on Fannin, backing out of a flower shop. It was the first accident it that location, but barely. "They are close and the sign is not too visible for the customers so. Something else happened before almost another car got hit."

Metro says it's continuing to try and educate and inform drivers. "There will be a learning curve," says Connaughton.