Update on rail crossing accident Down Under

[Kozzie]

 

The driver of the truck that slammed into the V/Line 1:00pm service from Swan Hill to Melbourne has been charged by Police yesterday with one count of culpable driving.  He remains in hospital on bail.  Police advise that more charges are expected to be laid.

There is widespread perception down here, (and maybe "up over" too?) that warning systems at grade crossings are often faulty.  However, an article in our local city newspaper about the truck-train accident in Victoria stated that there is little evidence to support this. 

The article went on to say that the public should put fatal rail crashes into perspective.  Although such collisions at level crossings are a significant problem for the rail industry, they actually represent less than one percent of the national road toll down here in Australia, and they are very rare events.

While comprehensive investigations are being conducted into this particular tragedy, this fact still remains (and surely applies around the world):  Motorists, (car and truck drivers alike), should be vigiliant, alert and drive with care at level crossings.

What are your thoughts?

Kozzie

 

 

 

[cordon]

I agree.  But, it should be a national goal to get rid of grade (level) crossings and replace them with overpasses, underpasses, or detours.  Then governments at all levels and the RRs should work together to make it happen.