Message Monday - Use your brain, don't race a train
“The crew on the train tried to stop.” If you review news stories on crashes between a vehicle and a train you will find a common theme. The crew in the train did everything they could to avoid a crash, but most times there is little that could have be done to slow or stop a speeding locomotive. According to a BNSF report, trains can take up to one mile to come to a stop once the emergency brake is deployed.
That means it’s up to us as drivers to use our brains and not challenge a train. Trying to beat a train at a crossing isn’t just dangerous, it’s dumb. Saving a few minutes isn’t worth risking your life.
This video from last summer shows just how long it can take to stop a speeding train. The occupants of the limo had exited the vehicle and no one was injured. Video used with permission of StudioNoeProductions. https://youtu.be/Ss8RdZLPCvs
The fatality count of 278 is an increase of seven from last Monday. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, go to http://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/stats/daily.pdf