I've been working in the rail industry since 1998 and am currently an engineer in freight service. Nearly every day I see at least one or more people drive around lowered gates, racing through even though lights are flashing and bells are ringing indicating a train is approaching.
I've had 11 motor vehicle - train collisions in those 14 years. On average one a year. Fortunately none have ended in fatalities, yet. It's nearly inevitable that before I retire I will witness at least one. Statistics are not on my side. And with it will come anguish, pain, frustration, and most likely lawsuits. Lawsuits that try to prove that, I, as a railroader should have been able to do something differently to prevent the incident.
But, when someone completely disregards devices designed to keep them safe and alive and you have only seconds to react sometimes there is simply nothing you can do.
13th of September, 2011 Buenos Aires Argentina.
11 dead. Over 200 injured. All because of one persons stupid decision to run around lowered gates. It doesn't get more real than this.
Just stop and wait, please. Most trains will pass in less than one minute. And even though long, slow moving freight trains can be very annoying and take much longer it's not worth the risk. Just wait.
I've had 11 motor vehicle - train collisions in those 14 years. On average one a year. Fortunately none have ended in fatalities, yet. It's nearly inevitable that before I retire I will witness at least one. Statistics are not on my side. And with it will come anguish, pain, frustration, and most likely lawsuits. Lawsuits that try to prove that, I, as a railroader should have been able to do something differently to prevent the incident.
But, when someone completely disregards devices designed to keep them safe and alive and you have only seconds to react sometimes there is simply nothing you can do.
13th of September, 2011 Buenos Aires Argentina.
11 dead. Over 200 injured. All because of one persons stupid decision to run around lowered gates. It doesn't get more real than this.
Just stop and wait, please. Most trains will pass in less than one minute. And even though long, slow moving freight trains can be very annoying and take much longer it's not worth the risk. Just wait.
VIEW 3 of 3 COMMENTS
infinity:
That is really awful. The fact that it was a bus makes things even worse, it's like the driver just had no regard for anyone's safety.
paranoid0693517:
That is ridiculous. I've seen several close calls on Inman Ave in Edison. I guess people just incorrectly judge the speed of the train and figure they can make it. It's scary.