Railroad crossings (Jacksonville: high school, to move, train)

[cricketfan]

I read a sad news item today on FirstCoast News that reminded me of how many times I have been in a hurry to get somewhere only to be cut off at a railroad crossing. It never fails whenever I cross US1. There's that loud clanging for one or two minutes then that long arm drops and I have to turn off my ignition as 100 - 150 box cars take forever to move out of the way.

So my question is how in the world can anyone be killed by a train? The news item was about a 17-year old high school star athlete from Fleming Island who was accidentally killed by a train last week here in Jacksonville. How is that possible when there is so much warning that a train is approaching?

[apvbguy]

Originally Posted by cricketfan

I read a sad news item today on FirstCoast News that reminded me of how many times I have been in a hurry to get somewhere only to be cut off at a railroad crossing. It never fails whenever I cross US1. There's that loud clanging for one or two minutes then that long arm drops and I have to turn off my ignition as 100 - 150 box cars take forever to move out of the way.

So my question is how in the world can anyone be killed by a train? The news item was about a 17-year old high school star athlete from Fleming Island who was accidentally killed by a train last week here in Jacksonville. How is that possible when there is so much warning that a train is approaching?

darwinism is action, some people ignore the gates and bells, some try to beat them by going around the gates, sometimes people just don't hear them.
There are so many reasons that people do foolish things, I'm always trying to teach my children not to become a statistic by doing something stupid

[travelingfood]

It was night time, off some track - bridge area where no horns was needed. It wasn't at some vehicle intersection.

[apvbguy]

Originally Posted by travelingfood

It was night time, off some track - bridge area where no horns was needed. It wasn't at some vehicle intersection.

then the poor sob was trespassing, rail road tracks are a poor choice of places to play on, darwinism in action

[travelingfood]

"The location on the tracks, which deputies said is a fishing spot frequented by young people, is private property and is an area where trespass warnings are issued when complaints are made."It's still under active investigation."

actually it was at about 7:15pm, still plenty of light out there. probably weren't paying attention to the sound of train.

[apvbguy]

Originally Posted by travelingfood

"The location on the tracks, which deputies said is a fishing spot frequented by young people, is private property and is an area where trespass warnings are issued when complaints are made."It's still under active investigation."

actually it was at about 7:15pm, still plenty of light out there. probably weren't paying attention to the sound of train.

tracks are intoxicating to kids and fishermen looking for the perfect spot. a terrible way to go

[cricketfan]

I stand corrected, it wasn't an intersection, but how can you not hear the rumble and rattle of an oncoming train. Death always seems more tragic when it can so easily be avoided. What a waste.

[irvm]

Originally Posted by cricketfan

I stand corrected, it wasn't an intersection, but how can you not hear the rumble and rattle of an oncoming train.

One word: iPod
Two words: Cell Phone

[apanda]

Originally Posted by irvm

One word: iPod
Two words: Cell Phone

They were sitting on a metal bridge for trains, they would still feel this thing coming. I have seen the trains cross this bridge, they generally slow down as well. Oh well, we cannot stop someone else's stupidity. No trespassing means just that. I agree apvbguy, I find myself saying that about people lot these days

[WitchDoctor]

If they were sitting within 30 ft of the track, they could have heard the rails singing for several minutes before the train got there.