Failure to Yeild at Train Crossing Costs Kent Cyclist His Life

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As a Kent bicycle accident lawyer I know just how dangerous the roads can be for a cyclist, at my Renton personal injury law firm I see victims of cycling accidents every day. But as important as it is for drivers to be aware of bikes on the road, cyclists need to make sure that they are following the rules of the road also.

Earlier this week, Lonnie Moss, a 47-year-old man from Kent was killed while riding his bike because he failed to yield at a train crossing signal. Kent police say that Moss was wearing headphones and may not have heard the Amtrak passenger train approaching, but the West Gowe Street crossing is equipped with large light reflective gates and red flashing signals. Moss might not have heard the train and the signals, but he knew the train was approaching because he was trying to ride through the gates when he was struck. No one likes waiting at a train crossing but even a slow moving train is probably going faster than you would expect. Railroad crossings are extremely dangerous and there is no way a train will be able to stop in time.

Just because you are on a bike and can fit through the gates doesn’t mean that you don’t have to wait for the train to pass. Bike riders need to be responsible on the road and follow the laws that are in place to keep them and everyone else safe. This fatal accident was easily preventable and would have only required a little patience on behalf of Moss.