"Madcap motorists" and Grade Crossings

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

While doing research for a RR book that I am writing,

I came across this article published in an Indiana newspaper called

THE LAKE COUNTY TIMES; It was published on September 4, 1924.

OHIO MOTORISTS MUST PAY FOR DAMAGE

TO TRAINS IN GRADE CROSSING SMASH UPS

By Carl L. Turner

COLUMBUS, OHIO. Sept 4–Motorists who have a thirst to race with death at grade crossings are up against a new problem in Ohio. When racing with a Scioto Valley Interurban train they either win by a length or so, or they lose; place and show have been erased from the board.

Should the gasoline jockey arrive at the grade crossing just a few seconds ahead of the trains, he’s a candidate for the morgue or the hospital. If he attempts to cross the tape just a few seconds after the car takes the heat, his mail very shortly is certain to contain a bill from the interurban company for damages if he scars one their [railroad] cars.

Speeders who disfigure the interurban cars before the inception of the pay-for-what-you-break plan thought they were lucky—many even considered themselves the winners—if they came through without personal injuries. Now, when they scan the bill for the repairs to the several ton intercity car, they have a change of heart. For automobile repairs cost as they do, [they] can’t even approximate the deflation of the full pocketbook when it comes to reconditioning electric street cars.

Officials of the Scioto Valley Company, becoming weary of the monotony of paying for new journal boxes, replacing steps and re-painting cars damaged by reckless drivers, hit upon the novel scheme of permitting the speed demon to share in the expense. The time will come, according to J.O. Bradfield, claim adjuster for the Sc

2

Thats a nifty idea! [:)]

3

+1. I wonder how much this would deter AGC accidents.

4

Not one iota - The ambulance chasers and the media they feed under the table would make sure that idea never sees the light of day.

5

Notice that even back in 1924, with fewer cars, we had the same problem we have today.

If any of us is still here in 2084, and railroads and automobiles are still in use, we will still have the same problems. So we might as well relax and continue discussing the problem.

6

Great idea, still.

The Class I railroads, regionals, and commuter agencies should push hard for something like this.

7

I have always believed that the railroad rountinely bills the motorist’s insurance company for damages.

8

I thought the same thing. Most states require motorists to carry “Personal Liability and Property Damage” and destruction of RR property would need to be paid for, just as if the driver had damaged a city light standard or a privately-owned fence (or car).

It might not be enough money, though . . . those gates aren’t cheap! Does anyone know if the RR’s pursue the malfeasant motorist beyond the policy limits? Try to get it out of his hide, so to speak? - a. s.