Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Kerry Barrett ReportingTatiana Vladimirov, TRAX Accident Victim: "I have no idea what happened after it. I just remember a lot of people taking care of me, but what exactly happened, I don't know."
It happened so fast she didn't have time to think, but tonight a Murray woman is lucky to be alive after a TRAX accident. It’s a reminder of safety for us all, be careful.
It’s the fifth accident this year involving a TRAX train; one that could've been much worse.
The train and the car were traveling southbound downtown when somehow the driver turned left, right into the train's path. The train crashed into her, pushed her 20 feet, and slammed her into a pole. It could've been much worse, but never-the-less she says it's a good opportunity to remind people to be safe.
Tatiana Vladimirov, Driver: “The train pushing me and I saw the front part of the train coming into my car and I just didn't think I could stay alive."
There’s not much left of Tatiana's Vladimirov's car, but it could've been much, much worse. Tatiana says she wasn't feeling well and blacked out right before her car veered left into the path of an oncoming train. She's glad she has only minor injuries.
Others haven't been as lucky. There have been five accidents this year and five fatalities, the latest happening last November.
But they are preventable. UTA spokesperson Andrea Packer says the most important thing you can do to stay safe is stay alert.
Andrea Packer, UTA Spokesperson: "The trains are very quiet, you can't hear them very well."
Packer says every operator is a well trained professional and everyone goes through an extensive screening after an accident. So far, she says they've had no problems with anyone.
Something that may have made a difference are the barricades separating trains from other vehicles. Although they are in some areas, there weren't any in this particular location. Whether it would have made a difference in this case is unsure, but Packer says regardless, everyone should expect a train if they're traveling near the TRAX rails.
Andrea Packer, UTA Spokesperson: “We've begun late night service until 1:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday evenings. So people driving downtown also didn't have to expect a train at 12:00 or 12:30 now need to be aware of that."
Tatiana says even thought it probably wouldn't have helped in her situation, with those new hours, new lines and a hectic downtown, she thinks more signs could help improve safety. Either way, she says she's never been so scared in her life.
Tatiana Vladmirov, Driver: "I thought this was the end of me."
Police say they're still investigating the accident and may have more information next week.
