A social media user has uploaded videos of multiple Miami drivers ignoring warnings at a railroad crossing and driving across the tracks, even as a train approaches.
In the video, cars, trucks, and even a bicycle rider drive around a flashing railroad gate that is down due to an approaching freight train.
The incident appears to have taken place at a crossing near 79th Street, just east of Hialeah.
Drivers in the video appear to be hoping they can beat the train across the tracks, gambling that they are smarter than the engineers who installed the safety warnings.
The videos were posted shortly after Brightline was the subject of negative articles in several local media outlets over fatalities on its tracks.
In articles and opinion pieces published in the Miami Herald and Miami New Times, Brightline was criticized for having a high accident and fatality rate on its tracks.
Social media users largely mocked the negative articles as being out of touch, noting that Brightline cannot be blamed for foolish behavior by drivers and pedestrians. The accident and fatality rate on Miami roads such as I-95 is many multiples of what is seen on the Brightline tracks, they added.
Here’s a bicyclist, not following the rules either. pic.twitter.com/gb7s9p5c3k
— Jskrilla (@SkrillJ) February 2, 2022
Moments later a 12,000 foot long intermodal train passes the intersection.
For the mental health of our train crew and to ensure that your families see you get home safely.
DON’T GO AROUND THE ARMS WHEN THEY ARE DOWN !!!! pic.twitter.com/1eqkhYU9lz
— Jskrilla (@SkrillJ) February 2, 2022