Investigators: Driver tried to beat train to crossing
LISA JAMES/Press A Union Pacific Railroad employee crosses the tracks on Heutter Road near Lancaster Avenue in Rathdrum where a Chevy Trailblazer, seen in the background, collided with a passing train on Thursday afternoon.
RATHDRUM — The driver involved in a vehicle-train collision on Thursday on the Rathdrum Prairie attempted to beat the locomotive to the intersection, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office.
Austin C. Wiseman, 18, Hayden, the driver of the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV that was struck by a Union Pacific train at Huetter Road, remained in critical condition at Kootenai Health on Friday. He competes on the Lake City High varsity track team in the hurdles and long jump.
The passenger was identified on Friday as Brandie M. Zaring, 15, Coeur d’Alene. Zaring was treated and released from Kootenai Health.
Prior to the collision, the vehicle had been observed in a wooded area between Lancaster Road and Huetter that was accessed by driving on a narrow dirt road that is not for public use, a KCSO press release states. The service road is private property owned by the Union Pacific Railroad.
As the westbound train approached the crossing, Wiseman, who was also traveling westbound, accelerated as he drove along the service road parallel to the UP tracks, according to the KCSO.
Witnesses believed Wiseman appeared to be attempting to beat the train as he approached Huetter. Once Wiseman reached Huetter, he then allegedly quickly turned southbound directly in front of the train without stopping at the posted crossing.
Wiseman’s vehicle was struck in the driver’s side door due to his alleged failure to yield the right of way to the train.
The train consisted of an engine and 13 rail cars. Its exact speed was not known on Friday, but its estimated speed at the time of the collision was 45 mph. Data from the train is being downloaded and will be reviewed by investigators.
The collision occurred the day after a multi-agency Officer-on-a-Train railroad crossing emphasis patrol and education program in Post Falls aimed at reminding drivers about the dangers of trying to beat trains or becoming complacent at crossings.
In February, a Post Falls High female student died in a vehicle-train collision at a crossing on Spokane Street in Post Falls. The driver, a male classmate, was injured.
Kootenai County often leads the state in vehicle/train collisions.
Train/vehicle collisions are normally tragic events, yet they are easily preventable, the press release states.
The Sheriff’s Office reminds drivers "When you see tracks, always think train." Additionally, railroad rights of way, including their service roads, are privately-owned and it’s a crime to trespass on them.