Caution On Chicago's "l" System (Aurora, Elgin: live, lawsuit)

[HOWELL_STREET]

I have mentioned about this in another thread. However, it is important to reiterate. When riding the Chicago area 'CTA' Elevated ("L") trains and subways, it is very important to stay clear of the third rail on those systems.
The third rail is the power source for those interurban trains (Chicago Transit Authority) in the Chicago area. That third rail has approximately 660 volts on it - - and if touched - - one will quickly end up in a local cemetery.
As a young boy in Oak Park, IL (circa 1944), there was a ground level third rail train system at Austin Blvd & the Eisenhower Expressway. A young girl on her bicycle lost control and rode right onto the third rail. Of course they gently placed her in a local cemetery.
So when waiting for an 'L' train - - elevated or on a subway platform - - PLEASE be very careful to stay away from that third rail.

Best Regards,

Carter Glass

[nanannie]

Good advice/reminder Carter.Are you "young" enough to remember the Aurora Elgin line?

[Steve-o]

Good advice indeed. Do they have warning sings posted along the lines for riders?

[HOWELL_STREET]

Dear Friends:

Here are the answers to both of your questions. When about age five or six, my grandmother gave me a ride on the Chicago, Aurora & Elgin - - the "C,A,& E" system - - that was very similar to the current 'L' system in chicago. During that time (circa 1946), the C, A, & E started at DesPlaines Road in Chicago - - and very close to the Eisenhower Expressway. Of course this predates the Eisenhower which was built about 1954. I hope this date is correct(?).
So we rode that C,A,& E to the Wheaton yards 'split' (where the Wheaton High Rise buildings are, today). At that Aurora / Elgin split, we continued towards Aurora. At Aurora, we waited for the next train to return. Some of those trains got up to about 70 MPH.
Today, the C, A & E is very fascinating history for railroad 'buffs'. And today, I live about two blocks from one of the track beds that is now known as the Illinois Prairie Path.
And to answer the other question - - other than a small sign that has a picture of a lightning bolt - - or perahps a small sign that says 'electric current' - - I don't know of any other warnings.
Incidentally, I was quoting an 'R.M.S.' voltage of 660 AC. However, there are other ways to measure that voltage since it is a sine way.
Thank you for your questions, comments and interest.

Best Regards,

Carter Glass

[Manigault]

Of course, many Chicagoans remember the famous (and true!) story of the drunk man who electrocuted himself about 15 years ago by relieving himself on the el's third rail. The CTA lost the lawsuit based on their failure to sufficiently warn people away.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by Manigault

Of course, many Chicagoans remember the famous (and true!) story of the drunk man who electrocuted himself about 15 years ago by relieving himself on the el's third rail. The CTA lost the lawsuit based on their failure to sufficiently warn people away.

Are you serious?? That was real!?!?! Ive heard the "wives tale", and dismissed it just as that.

[Manigault]

"The following facts were adduced at trial. Plaintiff's decedent, Sang Yeul Lee (Lee), a 46-year-old Korean immigrant who was unable to read English, attended a party on the evening of October 21, 1977. On his way home, Lee entered a CTA right-of-way at the intersection of Kedzie Avenue and the Ravenswood railway line in Chicago, apparently, in order to urinate. ... Lee, whose blood-alcohol level of 0.341 placed him in the "stupor" classification of intoxication, made contact with the third rail and suffered fatal injuries."

In the appellate court it was reported at 205 IL App 3rd 163 (1992) but it had a different citation in the IL supreme court.

[Drover]

Jesus. One has to wonder... with a BAC of .341, would it have mattered if there were 10 signs, each 10 feet tall, written in Korean, saying "STAY THE HELL AWAY!" I'm amazed the guy could even stand upright with a .341 BAC. One would think that if you intentionally get yourself that blitzed, you intend any consequence that flows from putting yourself in that state. Not to mention Illinois has a strong tradition of granting landowners immunity for injury to trespassers provided there is no willful negligence on the landowner's part. What a stupid verdict.

[HOWELL_STREET]

Thank you for your comments regarding this incident. Although I remember it, I never heard the end results as you folks have related. Thank you again !
And also... thanks to everyone for their interest and comments for all of my threads.

Best Regards,

Carter Glass

[Manigault]

Drover, you need to read opinion in the case. The victim was illiterate in his native language and in English. Still, the CTA was found liable for not warning him enough. The IL supreme court said drunk folks need extra special warnings. He certainly learned his lesson.