I wonder if it was teens trying to beat the train? Just terrible.
RRRICH Member # 1418
posted
Even though the car tried to drive around the crossing gates, this story will be misinterpreted by someone to be AMTRAK's fault -- "why can't their trains watch where they're going?" or "I'll never ride AMTRAK again -- they are SO UNSAFE!!!!!!!" or something.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
posted
Lest we forget, there was another Amtrak grade xing incident near Lakeland during June.
Ocala Mike Member # 4657
posted
Maybe not teens, proloz, but young people. Just a tragedy. Is there still a program called "Operation Lifesaver" out there? I think it used to be backed by the Association of American Railroads, and went into schools and such to teach about the dangers at grade crossings and along rights-of-way. Seems like my state needs it now more than ever, especially in urban areas and especially regarding Amtrak trains.
Too many people are too familiar with relatively slow-moving CSX freights over the same lines; they don't realize how quickly a 79-mph train can just "appear" out of nowhere.
notelvis Member # 3071
posted
Before Passenger Train Journal magazine's hiatus in the mid-1990's, Amtrak engineer Doug Riddell had a pretty moving article about how difficult it is for the engineers to cope with grade crossing accidents which they have been involved in.
Ocala Mike Member # 4657
posted
Yes, I feel sorry for the T&E and OBS crew on that train. They should be counselled for post-traumatic stress before resuming their jobs. One never reads or hears about the effects of these incidents on the railroad personnel.
MDRR Member # 2992
posted
Everything happens in three's.... Another incident: the NB Silver Star (17) struck a cement truck near Plant City Fl. and derailed a few hours ago! Train is standing upright, not sure about injuries.
Ocala Mike Member # 4657
posted
Anecdotal evidence for my posting of earlier today regarding Florida drivers vs. trains, especially those of the Amtrak persuasion.
posted ![[Frown]](frown.gif)