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Car strikes Empire Builder, causing passenger cars to separate
Wonder how fast the moron was driving??
This tale proves again that some people just get nutty around RR crossings, and cannot figure out that the train has the right of way, just because it’s much bigger, heavier, and less nimble. Whatever this guy thinking, or not thinking at an early hour of the morning, he’s darn lucky to be alive. His insurance carrier should have to reimburse Amtrak for damages and losses experienced as a result of the accident.
Were there ‘active’ flashing signals (and gates ?) at this crossing, or just the ‘passive’ cross-buck signs (only) ?
Thank God nobody was hurt and the train was able to continue on. As for the driver, he needs to be charged with reckless driving, and his innuries are his own fault. Sounds like this was a case of “familarity breeds contempt”. Just because you THINK, does NOT mean it IS!
with a train, if you tie, you lose!
Stupid is as stupid does. What train!!
That’s why the railroad posts advanced warning signs, to let drivers know there are railroad tracks ahead. I wonder what the speed limit is on that section of road that the driver didn’t have time to stop. Maybe he thought he could beat the train across the crossing but had second thoughts too late.
People keep forgetting that a crossing is an intersection, many of these folks also don’t bother to stop at STOP signs. You get tired of catering to people who can’t be bothered to care about their own or others’ safety.
As my dad use to say “He wasn’t driving to fast, just flying too low!!”
Most people who hit trains at rural crossings tend to live in the area and already know that the tracks are there.
He almost qualified for the Darwin Awards
What surprises me is the statement "— the locomotives and baggage care were recoupled, and the train resumed its westbound trip – ". Was there not sufficient damage to result in replaced hardware - or are there details missing here?
I hope (but doubt) that Amtrak has a standard policy of always initiating legal action to seek full compensation when drivers hit a train. There is no excuse for that kind of irresponsibility.
I like the fyeing to low . Some time the IQ for some poepel goes down wen there are at RR