Accidental railway-related fatalities. The Metro Dade County experience, 1980-1984.
A study of accidental railway-related fatalities was performed using the case files of the Office of the Medical Examiner of Metropolitan Dade County in Miami, Florida, during the years 1980-1984. The nine cases that were collected are presented here in some detail. A discussion ensues concerning the most common type of accidental railway-related fatalities, why they occur, and what future work remains in order to avoid such fatalities. Evidently, fatalities more frequently result from victims' disregard for safety--either by crossing the tracks despite warning, or by utilizing railroad trestles as a fishing pier--than from mass disaster. Future work involving forensic engineers, forensic pathologists, and lawyers along with community activists should include both public education and a design of less accessible trestles to avoid such tragedies. In conclusion, it is hoped that this article will serve as a catalyst for further research on this subject.
Office of the Medical Examiner, Metropolitan Dade County, Miami, FL.
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Copeland
D000059:Accidents; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011890:Railroads