SUV(no, idiot TV reporter driving it), light-rail car collide during train's test run(Houston)

The usual liars at the Houston Chronicle ^ | 11/20/03 | Mike Glenn

[Diddle E. Squat]

A Metro light rail car and a sport utility vehicle collided downtown during the train's test run Wednesday night. Police said it was the first accident involving the city's new light rail system.

The accident occurred about 8:30 p.m. when the driver of the Jeep Cherokee turned in front of the train at Main and Gray, Metro police said.

"The lady in the truck, she made an illegal left turn," Metro police Sgt. Antonio Ford said. "She cut right in front of the train."

KPRC-Channel 2 officials confirmed that Krista Marino, the station's health reporter, was driving the Jeep when it was struck by the train. Marino, who was not on duty at the time, was cited by police for making an illegal turn.

The train clipped the rear of the Cherokee, causing only minimal damage to both vehicles, Ford said. No one was injured.

Ken Connaughton, Metropolitan Transit Authority spokesman, said train car 107 was traveling northbound on a test run when the vehicle made an illegal left turn in front of the train. The train car hit the vehicle, causing minimal damage to both the train and passenger vehicle.

"We have been involved in an intensive training effort for a year, and we hope that that will minimize any situations like this," Connaughton said. "However, for those people who don't pay attention to the train, there's not a lot we can do."

A Metro police vehicle was escorting the train at the time of the accident. Wednesday's incident underscores the need for motorists to be aware of the fact that "there's a new element here, a new transportation player that you need to be aware of," Connaughton said.

KHOU-Channel 11 contributed information for the origination of this story.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Nice try, Chronicle headline writer.

[glock rocks]

Channel 2 officials confirmed that Krista Marino, the station's health reporter, was driving the Jeep when it was struck by the train.

no doubt giving viewers the Don't do This example...

[PetroniDE]

SEE, METRO LIGHT RAIL IS UNSAFE. GET RID OF IT.

If that logic works for democrats, it works for republicans too.

[moyden2000]

A blonde.

[JoeSixPack1]

New Headline:

SUV tries to commit SUVicide. TV Reporter takes drastic action, collides with light rail train.

The SUV was said to have survived because of the manual course correction attempted and completed by the TV Star/sole occupant.

An unscheduled train crossing monitored by the local sheriff, attributed to the damaged sustained by the SUV. An investigation by the State PUC to determine the train conductor's political leanings and sobriety at the time of the incident has not been released, nor has the results of the contested traffic violation issued at the scene, nor the reasons surrounding why the light rail train was interferring in motor vehicle traffic.

The SUV has survived and will be treated for multiple injuries and may require quarterpanel transplants, internal drive component rehab and surface paint replacement.

The TV Reporter/Occupant of the SUV is being awarded a safe-driver-takes-charge award at a ceremony Sunday.

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

Great
That mean SUV.
LOL

[dangus]

Hey, my car did try to commit suicide once... An '85 Ford Thunderbird. On its own, made a sharp turn while cruising down a highway, and spun into on-coming traffic. The fact that it *completed* a 540-degree (1 1/2 turns) spin probably saved my life, as the car's enornous rear end absorbed the hit. If I got hit drivers' side, I'd be nothing but paste.

[N. Theknow]

SEE, METRO LIGHT RAIL IS UNSAFE. GET RID OF IT.

It's tooooooo big!

It will kill and maim those driving smaller cars.

It uses too much of our natural resources.

It supports terrorist by using oil-generated electricity.

We will need to drill in ANWR to support its energy consumption.

And just in case nobody realizes it because it is hard to express sarcasm thorugh one's fingers on a keyboard.....< /sarcasm >Good thing the twit was in an SUV instead of a Prius...for her sake.

[Wright is right!]

What's the plan there with light rail? Does it have its own ROW anywhere? Or is the entire thing ON city streets?

Michael

[Deguello]

Well...I guess you discovered that you shouldn't repair a Ford Tie Rod end with a coathanger.

[JoeSixPack1]

Those 540 degree turns sure are rough on underware.

<|:-)~~

[glorgau]

Train -vs- Car

Usually, the Train wins.

[Flyer]

I drove from downtown to the medical center and then past the dome yesterday. Some of the crossings this rail line makes are just insane. There are crossings where it cuts diagonally across intersections. For folks that don't drive these areas every day and get to learn the danger areas it will be a nightmare.

*PING!*

As always, a FReep mail will get you on or off this Houston topics ping list.

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[Flyer]

Does it have its own ROW anywhere?

See my #13. I believe it is entirely on the streets, much of right down the middle, including the boarding stops.

[Liberal Classic]

There are some lights that hang over the lanes which contain the tracks. In theory, when the red light is on, no motorists will enter the lane.

[RiflemanSharpe]

I work in downtown, this train is going to rack up a body count. Another metro boondoggle.

[Flyer]

this train is going to rack up a body count

They put form before function.

BTW, you are invited to our Houston Chapter birtday party next month. No details yet, but stay tuned.

[Flyer]

you are invited to our Houston Chapter birtday party

We will include a spelling lesson, too!

[Timesink]

Media Schadenfreude / Shenanigans ping

[Squantos]

LOL.....A reporter that was "of duty" at the time ???? Yeah Riiiiiight ! Had she just seen this wreck, versus being in it with a great view ,she'd have been snappin 'n yappin her little empty head off to her station.......

Stay Safe !