The Midland, Texas train collision which killed and injured veterans and their wives was a case of out-and-out carelessness and poor judgment on the part of the parade planners and the driver of the float truck.
Primarily, one would never plan a parade or any group function which has to cross an ‘active’ train line. And secondly, the truck driver was in error for not leaving enough emergency exit room behind the float in front of him for quick exit from the track area. That’s just common sense practice when traffic backs up at a crossing.
Maybe the old crossing signs should be erected once again with people being re-educated: “Train Time Is Any Time.” When it comes to a freight train, if it’s proceeding at any significant speed, it’s not going to be able to avoid a collision as occurs time and time again. Don’t be blaming the train crew.
Barry Jones
QUEEN CREEK
Horseswagled posted at 11:30 pm on Wed, Nov 21, 2012.
Wish you railroad bought clownsos' would go tell your bosses that they
are B-U-S-T-E-D
According to Texas DOT forms/data.
http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/xings/com_roaduser/07010/appeni.htm
http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/xings/com_roaduser/07010/appeniform.pdf
20 SECONDS PLUS ADD MORE TIME.
Steep grade --add more time ----
skewed crossing ---add more time ---
extra tracks --add more time ---
interconnection traffic lights ----add more time.
Effective Begin-Date of Record: 01/01/11.
Initiating Agency State.
Crossing No.: 796331L.
In Midland
Street or Road Name: GARFIELD.
Quiet Zone: 24 hour.
Maximum Time Table Speed: 15 mph.
Traffic Light Interconnection/Preemption: Simultaneous Preemption.
So who investigates these NTSB investigators trying to pull the wool
over the whole countries eyes saying everything worked as designed
which is really jury tampering?
"""we’re still looking into that."""" Anybody do a count of many
times this NTSB guy made this statement? The public should be looking
at a exit stage left for these government railroad bought NTSB/FRA outfits.
Bingo6 posted at 7:12 am on Mon, Nov 26, 2012.
This is totally the fault of the driver. The flashing red lights at a railroad crossing mean stop, period, NOT THE CROSSING GATES, you are supposed to stop while the lights are flashing and not cross the tracks until the red lights stop flashing after the crossing gates have raised completely.
This driver is totally culpable.
DonMey posted at 12:32 pm on Tue, Nov 27, 2012.
I'm not aware of anyone blaming the train crew. It's not like they could have swerved out of the way...