Fred M CainSo, in 75 years there was no issue here.
And I would opine that is the reason for no urgency in taking any action on the crossing - "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
That the crossing had been identified for improvement says that the need was recognized. That it hadn't says that the work was not seen as urgent. Of course, this will change that.
As for the horn - with a reported (on the national crossing database) five or so crossings per day, the crews probably got lazy, with more of a perfunctory sounding than the full 20 seconds.
What may not have been noted in the investigation was the settings on the radio/tape/cd in the truck, if so equipped. Was the driver blasting his favorite artist at full volume? Was he engrossed in the chatter on a talk channel? For that matter, was the driver's window up or down? Those factors, along with the acute angle of approach on the driver's left, could conspire to limit his ability to sense an oncoming train.
Coulda, woulda, shoulda are nice, but what actually happened is what counts, and that info is currently kinda sparse.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
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