Is there precedence, or something new?
It has begun. State governments are legislating common sense. What is next? Adding questions regarding the procedures for driving near tractor trailers? The really sad part is, Utah actually has a valid point. The majority of Americans are terminally without common sense.
There is precedent. Commercial truck drivers have railroad crossing safety questions as part of the hazardous materials exam. But only those drivers with the hazmat endorsement. The rest of them? Look no further than the flatbed trailer involved in that parade when the gates went down for the answer.
As long as the state constitutions don’t ban it, this may be a future trend. I wonder what the failure rate is with these common sense questions? I suspect very high.
Of course I like my solution much better. Bring back flat belt power transmission with open spoke flywheels. Whoever gets hurt, fails.
As Utah adds more railroad services and mileage to their commuter light rail. Hopefully the legislature will will add this element to the driver’s license test.
1012 was a bad year for light rail vs pedestrians and autos in SLC. Some were suicides, and others were the old story of “the train was hiding behind the tree and jumped out in front of my car…”, and "it was the train’s fault…"and “heck, I can beat that train…”…to “What train???”
As of 2.15.12 an older bicyclist was struck by the newly commenced FrontRunner train.
It’s about time. An entire generation has grown up with little or no familiarity with trains or with what used to be called streetcars, now called “light rail”. If it succeeds in Utah hopefully other states will adopt similar measures.
I can remember that my first driving exam in CA had a question about "safety zones’ where streetcars unloaded. At thye time the only ones left were in San Francisco, 500+ miles from me… and that was ca. 1970
Sounds like a great idea!
Sounds like a great idea!
Sounds like a great idea!
Sounds like a great idea!
Kudos to Utah!
As a long time supporter of Operation Lifesaver (prior to its 1972 official founding) I say Yea Verily Yea.
As a long time supporter of Operation Lifesaver (prior to its 1972 official founding) I say Yea Verily Yea.
When I attended truck driving school almost three decades ago, we were told to SLOW DOWN and GEAR DOWN on approaching a railroad crossings. If not, automatic failure on the road test! The states need to set reduced speed limit zones at railroad crossings. As for stopping, it is mandatory for trucks with hazardous materials, and passenger vehicles, especially the school bus!
Excellent idea for for Utah. It is about time --and needed in every state. Drivers Ed suggestion is also great.
Also, requirements like that make it harder for people hit by trains ( almost always their own fault ) to turn around and sue the RR to get a quick and juicy and unjust $$ settlement.
It will keep the sleasey elements of the plaintiff’s bar in line.