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Oxnard smashup
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[quote]QUOTE: <i>Originally posted by zardoz</i> <br /><br /><font face="Comic Sans MS">This incident is similar to one that happened in Fox River Grove, Ill a few years ago when a CNW Metra suburban train hit a school bus. Same scenario: traffic lights very close to tracks with insufficient space for a long vehicle to sit at the light and clear the tracks. <br /> <br />If I remember correctly, a number of students were killed. So do not get your hopes too high that the incident refered to by the thread poster will have any significant effect on the way traffic signals and intersections are repaired. If the death of some kids does not cause a change, a few strawberries will not either. <br /> <br />It always amazed me that a person will, when faced with a similar situation (car stopped on tracks), not move forward or backward to get out of the way of a train. I've hit cars that all they had to do was break the gates to move, and they still sit there and get hit. I suppose if one is stupid enough to stop on the tracks in the first placewe should not expect any sudden intelligence to emerge. , <br /> <br />I do think, however, that a certain amount of panic sets in when a driver realizes the situation they are in. The mind, faced with such an incredible scenario, cannot process information properly and 'freezes', with the result that no decision can be made. <br /> <br />It is somewhat analogous to martial art training. The first few years are spent learning the moves; the rest of the time is spent having those moves become so a part of your self, that if you are ever faced with a situation that you need to use those skills, they flow naturally, without the need to 'think' about what you need to do. My teacher always told me that if you have to think about what you want to do, it is already too late and you have lost.</font id="Comic Sans MS"> <br />[/quote] <br /> <br />Well said. The most accurate statement, however is "I suppose if one is stupid enough to stop on the tracks in the first place we should not expect any sudden intelligence to emerge". You hit that nail squarely on the head! <br /> <br />--JD
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