News 8
Some plead for crossing arms after car crashes into train 
08:13 AM CDT on Monday, June 29, 2009
DALLAS - Many living in an East Oak Cliff neighborhood want crossing arms at an intersection where a woman's wrong turn led her straight into the path of a DART train.
Sunday afternoon, witnesses watched as a DART train slammed into a white Nissan on Lancaster Road and Saner Avenue.
"We stopped and ran to her," said Trina Johnson.
Adriana Henry was the first one to reach the woman behind the wheel.
"She told me she was coming through the light and that it was green and that she didn't hear any sirens or anything," she said.
DART investigators said the driver made an illegal left turn in front of the northbound Blue Line train.
Warning sounds and flashing signs notify drivers that trains are approaching. According to DART, the number of crashes dropped significantly when the signs went up nine years ago.
But, some witnesses said they believe crossing arms should be added to the intersection.
"I think that would help intersections like this," Henry said. "But, I think it's up to DART to figure out the safety precautions."
According to the agency, it is not aware of any requests for crossing arms at the intersection. While that safety feature is up at other crossings, a DART spokesman said crossing arms could impact the flow of traffic.
E-mail mdiaz@wfaa.com
