On Wednesday, May 30, 2018, the Aberdeen, Carolina & Western Railroad, NC Operation Lifesaver, and NCDOT BeRailSafe and several other state agencies attended and witnessed a staged railroad crossing vehicle/train collision.
To the best of our knowledge this was the first staged collision in which both the locomotive and vehicle were in motion. A simple pulley system tied to the train and car were used to cause the moment of impact on the crossing.
The videography captured by 5 drones, dozens of GoPros at the crossing, on the locomotive and inside the vehicle will be used as tools for teaching the hazards of failing to yield to trains at grade crossings. Operation Lifesaver Authorized Volunteers actively engaged in the community by visiting schools, drivers education classes, festivals as well as teaching law enforcement and first responders the hazards associated with railroads.
A big thanks to all parties and attendees involved that came together to make this event happen.