Driver killed in Coon Rapids train–vehicle collision
A driver died after their vehicle was struck by a freight train around 3:45 p.m. on New Year’s Day at the intersection of 119th Avenue Northwest and Northdale Boulevard in Coon Rapids. Coon Rapids police say the driver was alone in the vehicle, was extricated and taken to a hospital where Burlington Northern Santa Fe later reported the person died; no train crew members were injured and the driver’s identity has not yet been released.
📌 Key Facts
- Crash occurred about 3:45 p.m. on Jan. 1 at 119th Avenue NW and Northdale Boulevard in Coon Rapids.
- The passenger vehicle’s lone occupant was extricated and taken to a hospital, where they later died of their injuries.
- The freight train’s crew was uninjured, and authorities have not yet released the driver’s name.
📊 Relevant Data
In Minnesota, 60% of rail crossings have only passive warning devices, 6% have lights or other signals without gates, and 34% have gates and lights.
Minnesota State Rail Plan — MnDOT
In the past five years, there have been 163 incidents at rail grade crossings in Minnesota, resulting in 15 fatalities and 53 injuries.
Nationally, in 2020, American Indian and Alaska Native people had the highest motor vehicle fatality rate at 22.79 per 100,000 population, followed by Black or African American at 15.51, compared to White at 11.17.
Traffic Safety Facts: 2020 Data - Race and Ethnicity — NHTSA
In Minnesota, 13.2% of Black households have no access to a motor vehicle, compared to 3% of White, non-Hispanic households.
Race and Transportation Trend Analysis — Minnesota GO
During the pandemic, risky behaviors such as alcohol use, speeding, and non-use of seatbelts increased relatively more for Black drivers, contributing to higher motor vehicle fatality rates.
An Emerging Racial Disparity in US Motor Vehicle Fatalities — PMC
📰 Source Timeline (1)
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