Share Pics of People Hauling or Towing Something Wrong

[BigBlue1]

It seems like if there was going to be any 'remedy' to these situations a simple one would include an emergency button situated near the crossing that would send a signal to any oncoming trains (radio or lights) that the crossing was blocked so they could initiate braking much sooner than visible line-of-sight distances. That would seem to be pretty inexpensive compared to other options. That way if you get a truck stuck on the tracks the driver just gets out, hits the button and at least avoids the carnage and expense of a crash like this.

 

[bcp]

Until the local kids realize they can stop the train with the push of a button.



Bruce

 

[California]

Until the local kids realize they can stop the train with the push of a button.

A 911 call should be the universal Stop The Train signal. Then the dispatcher should have that button.

 

[aczlan]

It seems like if there was going to be any 'remedy' to these situations a simple one would include an emergency button situated near the crossing that would send a signal to any oncoming trains (radio or lights) that the crossing was blocked so they could initiate braking much sooner than visible line-of-sight distances. That would seem to be pretty inexpensive compared to other options. That way if you get a truck stuck on the tracks the driver just gets out, hits the button and at least avoids the carnage and expense of a crash like this.

Not enough time, less than a minute from when he got stuck until the train got hit.
No way the train could have stopped in that time no matter what.
Looked like he was going to raise the neck to get it unstuck, another 1-2 minutes and he would have been clear.


Aaron Z

 

[aczlan]

A 911 call should be the universal Stop The Train signal. Then the dispatcher should have that button.

IMO the driver was doing what would have cleared the tracks the fastest (raising the neck of the trailer).
Another 1-2 minutes and it would have been clear.
A 911 operator stopping the train (or even the driver having a radio to talk to the train directly) would not have been quick enough.

Aaron Z

 

[California]

A 911 operator stopping the train (or even the driver having a radio to talk to the train directly) would not have been quick enough.

Agree. I was responding to BCP's comment that an emergency button at the crossing would become be a toy for the neighborhood kids.

Implicit in the concept of a button is that drivers would need to be trained to look for it. Not practical.

Everybody already knows about 911. That should be the universal response by the public when they see an emergency. Nothing is going to stop a train plus finding a phone number for the railroad isn't realistic. A 911 call to mobilize the First Responders is the proper response when it looks like there wil be injuries.

 

[RandyT]

Agree. I was responding to BCP's comment that an emergency button at the crossing would become be a toy for the neighborhood kids.

Implicit in the concept of a button is that drivers would need to be trained to look for it. Not practical.

Everybody already knows about 911. That should be the universal response by the public when they see an emergency. Nothing is going to stop a train plus finding a phone number for the railroad isn't realistic. A 911 call to mobilize the First Responders is the proper response when it looks like there wil be injuries.

the train phone number and crossing number is suppose to be posted at every crossing to call to alert the RR of a object stuck on the tracks. Normally posted on the side of the crossing control box but have observed them listed on the crossing guard post.

 

[California]

the train phone number and crossing number is suppose to be posted at every crossing to call to alert the RR of a object stuck on the tracks. Normally posted on the side of the crossing control box but have observed them listed on the crossing guard post.

I suppose knowing that, is part of holding a CDL But in 60+ years driving cars it's the first I've heard of it.

Yes I've occasionally noticed the info there but I didn't connect it with real or potential crashes. Just thought it was for ordinary maintenance or something, not relevant to the public. Same as the milepost info labelled on roadside paddles at each culvert, or stenciled onto guardrail and bridges. Obviously important to some responsible party, but not the general public.

I just learned something new.

Is it assumed that every driver knows that?

 

[aczlan]

I suppose knowing that, is part of holding a CDL But in 60+ years driving cars it's the first I've heard of it.

Yes I've occasionally noticed the info there but I didn't connect it with real or potential crashes. Just thought it was for ordinary maintenance or something, not relevant to the public.

Should be on every crossing along with the federal crossing ID number and a 24 hour number to report problems.
IIRC it says to call with problems.

Same as the milepost info labelled on roadside paddles at each culvert, or stenciled onto guardrail and bridges. Obviously important to some responsible party, but not the general public.

Those are very useful if you are calling in an accident, disabled vehicle or other hazard on a highway or on a road with few houses or crossroads.

I just learned something new.

Is it assumed that every driver knows that?

No idea, but it makes it easier for the highway crews to find the problem, so I use them whenever possible...

Aaron Z

 

[Oaktree]

Should be on every crossing along with the federal crossing ID number and a 24 hour number to report problems.
IIRC it says to call with problems.

Assuming there is cell coverage, this may not be the case at some of the more rural crossings.