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 Scioto Valley Company, when all railroads, steam and electric, will adopt the policy of his company in forcing foolhardy automobile drivers to pay for the damage they cause to rolling stock.
"It isn't so much the money we get that we care for," Bradfield explained, "but it helps to teach these madcap motorists a lesson. The next time they approach a grade crossing they will be doubly careful, and perhaps the toll of human lives at these intersections will be reduced. In many instances these persons pass the word along to their friends too, and their friends are more careful."
Since the inauguration of the plan, ten persons have paid varying amounts in to the Scioto Valley Company coffers after striking an interurban car in the front, rear or amidship, Bradfield said. Strangely enough, none of these persons to whom bills for damage were sent offered any protest, but joined in the spirit of the movement and remitted checks, according to the claims adjuster. The greater percentage of accidents called to the attention of the claims adjuster are the result of the automobile striking the interurban car Bradfield asserted.
Various civic organizations throughout the state have approved the Scioto Valley Company's plan and it had come in for commendation from certain state officials who are charged with the responsibility of reducing grade crossing accidents to a minimum in Ohio. Conferees at the Safety First parley called by Governor Vic Donahey here recently lauded the new method of impressing upon the motor car driver the seriousness of grade crossing collisions.
"If they don't value their lives enough to stop, look and listen at the intersection, then we must encourage safety first through their pocketbooks".
TonyM.
Mr_Ash wrote:Thats a nifty idea!
+1. I wonder how much this would deter AGC accidents.
Dan
CNW 6000 wrote: Mr_Ash wrote:Thats a nifty idea! +1. I wonder how much this would deter AGC accidents.
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.
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.
Great idea, still.
The Class I railroads, regionals, and commuter agencies should push hard for something like this.
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
I have always believed that the railroad rountinely bills the motorist's insurance company for damages.
spokyone wrote:I have always believed that the railroad rountinely bills the motorist's insurance company for damages.
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