PLANT CITY, Fla. — Calls for Safety Measures at Jim Lefler Circle and U.S. 92 Railroad Crossing Following Tragic Crash
After a devastating weekend crash claimed the lives of six individuals at the railroad crossing situated at Jim Lefler Circle and U.S. 92, there is a growing chorus of voices advocating for the installation of a crossing gate.
Jennifer Cantu, the aunt of Guillermo Gama, who miraculously survived the crash, emphasized the urgent need for safety measures at the crossing. “There is a stop sign there,” Cantu pointed out. “We’ve visited that place countless times, witnessing various events like quinceañeras and weddings being held there.”
This recent tragedy follows another fatal collision involving a truck and a train at the same crossing in 2021.
Mayra Martinez, who manages a property across the street from the crossing, vividly remembers the 2021 crash and cited ongoing issues with visibility at the crossing. “One issue is the lack of visibility when a train is passing,” Martinez noted.
However, Martinez believes the primary problem stems from people leaving a venue on the opposite side of the tracks who often fail to exercise caution by checking for oncoming trains. “They need to exercise more caution,” she urged. “With people over there partying, possibly drinking, and having fun, they might not be alert enough to notice a fast-approaching train.”
Brent Miller, who works at a nearby business, expressed concerns about the absence of a crossing gate leading to his property, recounting several near-miss incidents. “At this crossing, I once saw a person pull across and narrowly escape a collision,” Miller recounted.
“He was visibly shaken, and a Highway Patrol officer on the other side came to his aid. On another occasion, my wife almost had a close call; she had her radio up and pulled across without noticing the oncoming train. It’s a dangerous situation.”
His brother, Phillip Miller, highlighted their constant efforts to warn people about the perilous crossing. “Whenever we provide directions to anyone coming here, we stress the importance of stopping and carefully checking the tracks,” he said. “I don’t understand why they don’t install railroad crossing gates at every such intersection. It’s extremely hazardous.”
Rail safety expert Michael Calanan shed light on the situation, explaining that rail lines are not obligated to install gates at private crossings. “This is a privately maintained road,” Calanan clarified. “Essentially, it’s a driveway leading to a couple of houses, not a public thoroughfare, so there’s no obligation to maintain it or install crossings.”
Calanan also highlighted the emotional toll these accidents take on train crews. “The engineer in the locomotive’s cab is essentially helpless, except for sounding the horn and triggering the emergency braking system,” he stated. “They have a front-row seat to witness these tragic incidents unfold.”