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Regarding the thread:  Is Amtrak Crash Nevada’s Fault?      <a href="http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/t/193774.aspx?PageIndex=1">http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/t/193774.aspx?PageIndex=1</a>  <o:p></o:p> My point in starting that thread last summer was that the crossing was not adequately protected.  I believe the warning time for the crossing is too short for the speed limit of the highway. What makes this confusing is that the warning interval from signal activation to the train arriving at the crossing is 25 seconds, and that seems like more than enough time to stop a vehicle.  But that warning interval is not the point.  What matters is the interval between the point where a driver can clearly see the signals and the time he or she arrives at the crossing.   <o:p></o:p> Moreover, the point where a driver can clearly see the signals is not just left to the ability of drivers to discern that point because it will vary from one driver to another.  Therefore, it is the RXR sign that alerts drivers to look for trains and activated crossing signals.  The RXR sign establishes the point where all drivers should be capable of discerning the warning signals.   <o:p></o:p> Prior to that point, drivers may discern the signals, but it is not expected of them.  According to various sources, the RXR sign is about 900 feet from the Nevada crossing.  At 70 mph, that is 8.76 seconds.  That is the warning.  If it is true that the type of truck involved in the crash requires at least 720 feet to stop, that leaves 180 feet to recognize and react to the warning.  At 70 mph, 180 feet goes by in 1-3/4 seconds.      <o:p></o:p> I believe one of the most disingenuous comments made by the NTSB is that the crossing sight distance for an approaching driver is one mile.  Do they mean that the maximum, unobstructed line of sight is one mile?  Do they mean that a driver can see an activated crossing signal on a sunny day at one mile?  Do they know what the actual visibility was at the time of the crash?  <o:p></o:p> Clearly the NTSB is implying that an approaching driver has 51 seconds warning to stop at 70 mph.  However, the crossing warning only provides 25 seconds from point of activation to the point where the train enters the crossing.   So what is the point of the NTSB saying that the driver has a mile of visibility?  <o:p></o:p> Even with a clear line of sight for a mile, you will not be able to see an inactivated crossing signal and gate system from that distance.  It is doubtful that you could see an activated crossing signal from a mile.  Go out and try it for yourself.  So what is a responsible driver supposed to do with that mile of warning?
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