Pedestrian Fatalities Resulting From Train-Person Collisions

Abstract

Objective: Train-person collisions have a significant impact in our society, due to their negative economic and psychological effects. This work aims to study fatalities resulting from train-person collisions in Portugal. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted based on the analysis of autopsy reports related to train-person fatalities performed in the North Branch of the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences. Results: Suicide was responsible for most of the cases, and males were more often involved in train-person collisions than females. Victims, between 40 and 59years old, were found to be involved in a high percentage (39%) of the cases, and people older than 65 accounted for a significant percentage (40%) of the accidents. No seasonality was observed in suicide cases, but a decrease in accident numbers was registered in summer. Regarding weekday and time of day, afternoon and non-rush hour were the times when most suicides were observed, whereas accidents did not showed a specific weekday or time of day, except for rush hour, during which they were more frequent. Alcohol-positive blood analysis accounting for 25% of the cases. Conclusions: Differences from other European studies were found, which may be related to the different cultures of the countries/regions, as well as to the differences in the railway systems. More extensive studies must be performed in order to develop strategies to prevent train-person collisions.