Looks like another suicide attempt...
This auto almost got away at Slidell, La
http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2015/03/amtrak_train_car_wreck_slidell.html
g
Actually, Slidell, La.
_____________
"A stranger's just a friend you ain't met yet." --- Dave Gardner
blue streak 1 This auto almost got away at Slidell, La http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2015/03/amtrak_train_car_wreck_slidell.html
Since when do Police post on Facebook and commercial newspapers us it as a source for their news articles?????
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
BaltACD blue streak 1 This auto almost got away at Slidell, La http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2015/03/amtrak_train_car_wreck_slidell.html Since when do Police post on Facebook and commercial newspapers us it as a source for their news articles?????
Johnny
Police use FB to communicate to a broader public. It reaches far more folks than other media.
C&NW, CA&E, MILW, CGW and IC fan
Deggesty BaltACD blue streak 1 This auto almost got away at Slidell, La http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2015/03/amtrak_train_car_wreck_slidell.html Since when do Police post on Facebook and commercial newspapers us it as a source for their news articles????? Maybe the Napoleanic Code now calls for this? Remember Louisiana laws are based on Napoleon's code.
Maybe the Napoleanic Code now calls for this? Remember Louisiana laws are based on Napoleon's code.
Napoleon Zukerberg?
Drunk appears to have tried to play King Arthur and joust Downeaster at Old Orchard Beach. Drunk lost, Passenger may be critical. Didn't use long enough jousting pole ?.
http://www.pressherald.com/2015/03/26/police-investigating-downeaster-train-collision-with-car/
Piedmont train # 76 got another car just east of Greensboro. That train certainly has had more than its share of incidents.
Wonder if NC DOT wishes they could seal the route.
http://www.news-record.com/news/local_news/amtrak-train-collides-with-an-empty-vehicle-outside-of-greensboro/article_f80f044c-dccb-11e4-97cc-d3145ca70f11.html
Capitol Corridor Train 521 is being delayed between Martinez & Richmond due to a Vehicle Strike Questions for the Capitol Corridor? Contact Us STAY CONNECTED: SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Preferences | Unsubscribe | He
Train 521 is being delayed between Martinez & Richmond due to a Vehicle Strike
Palmetto got a car approaching Savannah last night. No details yet.
http://m.wtoc.com/wtoc/db/350145/content/wBwbQMVB
This morning's Palmetto out of Savannah on time this morning. That may indicate minor damage to loco or another one was sent to Savannah. Any other info ?
EDIT: Driver reported killed.
http://www.wtoc.com/story/28815946/train-crashes-into-car-in-garden-city
Crescent hit auto in Meridian, Ms yesterday as well.
http://www.wapt.com/news/mississippi/woman-killed-in-meridian-after-suv-hit-by-amtrak-train/32398324
Amtrak # 65 hit car near South Kinston. Reports are varied but appears car tried to go thru closed grade crossing fence. ( all crossings have been closed in RI ). One killed. Unconfirmed that ACS-64 and leading V-2 baggage damaged but how much no idea yet. So the first for both new pieces of equipment.
http://www.providencejournal.com/article/20150419/NEWS/150419246/14110
This may be a link to photo of location ?
http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?/topic/63917-automobile-collision-in-west-kingston-ri-on-nec/
Another report. Wonder if this is a GPS caused ?
http://www.turnto10.com/story/28839929/train-and-car-collide-in-south-kingstown
blue streak 1 Amtrak # 65 hit car near South Kinston. Reports are varied but appears car tried to go thru closed grade crossing fence. ( all crossings have been closed in RI ). One killed. Unconfirmed that ACS-64 and leading V-2 baggage damaged but how much no idea yet. So the first for both new pieces of equipment. http://www.providencejournal.com/article/20150419/NEWS/150419246/14110 This may be a link to photo of location ? http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?/topic/63917-automobile-collision-in-west-kingston-ri-on-nec/ Another report. Wonder if this is a GPS caused ? http://www.turnto10.com/story/28839929/train-and-car-collide-in-south-kingstown
Google view might explain how driver got on track.
https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1429569401243!6m8!1m7!1sgCMTgNN-fSvG2rDFtHI6hg!2m2!1d41.488067!2d-71.554708!3f87.10448256315237!4f-6.057093885421949!5f1.8731607263914252
blue streak 1 Amtrak # 65 hit car near South Kinston. Reports are varied but appears car tried to go thru closed grade crossing fence. ( all crossings have been closed in RI ). One killed. Unconfirmed that ACS-64 and leading V-2 baggage damaged but how much no idea yet. So the first for both new pieces of equipment.
Maybe bad news. -- ACS-64 # 629 unconfirmed report heavy damage and not known if it will be rebuilt. Could be if it is heavy damage might be sent back west to builder ? Baggage # 61037 damage unknown as of this time.
Anyone with more info.
blue streak 1 blue streak 1 Amtrak # 65 hit car near South Kinston. Reports are varied but appears car tried to go thru closed grade crossing fence. ( all crossings have been closed in RI ). One killed. Unconfirmed that ACS-64 and leading V-2 baggage damaged but how much no idea yet. So the first for both new pieces of equipment. Maybe bad news. -- ACS-64 # 629 unconfirmed report heavy damage and not known if it will be rebuilt. Could be if it is heavy damage might be sent back west to builder ? Baggage # 61037 damage unknown as of this time. Anyone with more info.
For a new $6M locomotive to be written off it would basically have to be in the shape of a pretzel after the incident.
I guess it depends whether or not it is cheaper to rebuild it, or build a new 629. That's the nice thing about having the assembly line still open.
I'd be curious to see photos of the damaged loco. When a brand new P40 went into Big Bayou Canot on the Sunset Limited, they fished it out & sent it back to Erie for evaluation. I don't think it was ever returned to service. I'd be shocked if that were possible. But I understand the value of the unit's monocoque construction was validated by the examination of the unit. I wonder whether this unit fared as well.
Tom
Pictures of Crescent tr #20 / 22 that hit vehicle near Tuscaloosa.
http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2015/04/authorities_are_on_the_scene_o.html
NorthWest I guess it depends whether or not it is cheaper to rebuild it, or build a new 629. That's the nice thing about having the assembly line still open.
There is a difference between what 'outsiders' consider serious locomotive damage and what those in the industry consider serious locomotive damage.
Outsiders see cosmetic damage - those in the industry look for structural damage. Cosmetic damage is easily repairable, structural damage is harder to see and more critcal when it occurrs.
BaltACDThere is a difference between what 'outsiders' consider serious locomotive damage and what those in the industry consider serious locomotive damage. Outsiders see cosmetic damage - those in the industry look for structural damage. Cosmetic damage is easily repairable, structural damage is harder to see and more critcal when it occurrs.
I haven't actually seen a picture of the damaged unit in question, so my point was that Amtrak (or their insurer) will check the locomotive and determine the cheapest option to get a 629 back to usable condition. I am aware of the kind of damage that results in a retirement, but I can't see a collision with a car bending the frame or bending collision posts.
Your point is valid. I've seen locomotives with the long hood ripped completely off returned to service, and those with little cosmetic damage scrapped due to frame bowing.
I think my point was that the locomotive held together pretty well at Big Bayou Canot. I've been told (not sure whether this can be confirmed) that the cab remained intact, and the three crew members of the crew did not die as a result of impact. I'm told they drowned.
Cold comfort, I guess.
ACY I think my point was that the locomotive held together pretty well at Big Bayou Canot. I've been told (not sure whether this can be confirmed) that the cab remained intact, and the three crew members of the crew did not die as a result of impact. I'm told they drowned. Cold comfort, I guess. Tom
On that note, if you do find yourself in a sinking vehicle of some sort...
What happens is the water comming in exerts a kind of suction along with the downward sinking vehicle that does not allow escape until the water has completely filled the submerged space and the vehicle's rapid sink rate has diminished or stopped......then the pressure is equalized and one can escape. Most untrained folks panic and gasp for air and drown in that type of environment.
Best approach if your conscious is to hold your breath until the pressure equalizes making use of the time to plan your escape route and ensure your not tangled up in anything. Once the vehicle fills with water and levels off it has a tendency to kind of exhale as the rush in of water is suddenly stops.....that will help eject you if your near an open door or window.
Palmetto got one April 27th
http://abc11.com/news/amtrak-train-hits-car-in-four-oaks/683829/
School bus almost became another stat. In this case close did count as a save.
http://patch.com/new-york/chappaqua/school-bus-trapped-metro-north-crossing-driver-arrested-new-castle-police
City New Orleans collided with car. Appears to have CN leader ?
http://www.wwltv.com/story/news/local/northshore/2015/05/10/1-dead-after-amtrak-train-hits-vehicle-on-tracks/27091691/
Why evacuate the City of New Orleans? Anybody know?
My Guess would be this: Issues with HEP after vehicle strike.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
Amtrak hits another vehicle not near a grade crossing. Appears to be another Piedmont. NCDOT cannot get a break.
http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20150511/News/305119984
Back on April 27th the CZ hit a car in northern Nevada. Local sheriff believes this was suicide by train.
Incident happened at 2:30 AM. A little earlier or later the Darwin enforcer would have been a freight.
Chuck
Meteor $98/01 hit vehicle going around gates near Jacksonville. Unbelievable that no one killed.
http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2015-06-02/story/amtrak-train-shears-car-half-jacksonville-crash-police-say-driver-went
Also report of # 280 killing someone but no details.
Motorcyclist tried to beat Sounder train but lucky was hit by lowering gate knocking him off cycle and saving life . Cycle not so lucky.
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Police-Very-lucky-motorcyclist-OK-after-riding-into-path-of-train-306142941.html
More bad luck - Amtrak #22 collides with truck driver in Wilmington, IL:
http://abc7chicago.com/news/amtrak-train-collides-with-truck-near-wilmington/768798/
This is just south of the UP Global IV intermodal yard on the Joliet sub.
Links to my Google Maps ---> Sunset Route overview, SoCal metro, Yuma sub, Gila sub, SR east of Tucson, BNSF Northern Transcon and Southern Transcon *** Why you should support Ukraine! ***
Another link to 22 collision.
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/amtrak-crash-306324891.html?_osource=SocialFlowFB_CHBrand
http://abcnews.go.com/US/amtrak-train-collides-truck-illinois/story?id=31564976
Proposed headline: Train Bites Into 35 Tons of Bacon
Amtrak 98 got a Lincoln Navigator yesterday in Satsuma, FL. Driver drove around the lowered gates & was seriously injured.
ACY Amtrak 98 got a Lincoln Navigator yesterday in Satsuma, FL. Driver drove around the lowered gates & was seriously injured. Tom
San Joaquin line got another van 1 kiled.
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2015/06/10/3673508_1-killed-after-train-hits-car.html?rh=1
Removal of passengers from the train implies significant damage to track and/or equipment. Anybody have any more details?
Quite a few Amtrak train-vehicle collisions have been noted during the short, three-month life of this thread. Putting to one side the damages/injuries to vehicles and their passengers, isn't it clear that the trains are also at risk? Isn't it obvious that the only solution is level crossing reduction (separated, upgraded or eliminated) on lines where passenger train operate?
This thread is focused on Amtrak, but trust me, just as many vehicles are being hit by freight trains. Nothing will stop it but grade separation. People are too stupid to be allowed to drive across train tracks.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Phoebe Vet This thread is focused on Amtrak, but trust me, just as many vehicles are being hit by freight trains. Nothing will stop it but grade separation. People are too stupid to be allowed to drive across train tracks.
And they don't know how to park next to the tracks either - One of our trains took out 1/2 dozen at 'watering hole'.
The problem with reduction and elimination of grade crossings is obvious: There's not the money to pay for them. Every one is a struggle.
One more example, if it were needed, of how infrastructure in this country is starved in favor of spending for other priorities.
Yes, grade crossing elimination would be helpful, but some folks are foolish enough to get hit by trains whether there's a designated crossing or not. They walk. They run, often with ear buds. They lie down in the gauge to take a nap. They make movies. They make exercise videos. They drive bicycles, cars, and trucks, often where there's no road. They have no clue. I have no idea what will stop them. Maybe more grade crossings will help, but with or without the crossing closures, I see no end to this idiocy.
dakotafredThere's not the money to pay for them. Every one is a struggle. One more example, if it were needed, of how infrastructure in this country is starved in favor of spending for other priorities.
Ending money-hole, pointless 'adventures' such as Iraq might be a start, as its total costs may reach $4-5 trillion. A fraction of that spent on infrastructure here could do far more for our security than foreign ops.
ACY's is a better answer than mine. Personally, I wouldn't favor spending the money it would take for all-separated grade crossings even if we had it. There are better uses, for infrastructure that would be an actual investment in the future.
But it's all academic, because we would rather spend the money on ourselves -- entitlements all around, for the middle class and wealthy, too! -- and borrow more when that's gone. On top of bearing the cost of being the world's policeman.
Inadequate highways, bridges, railroads and airports are only the beginning of it. You can kind of ease into that kind of Third World-ism, like the frog in the pot of heating water. But wait until failure of our 200-year-old big-city water and sewer systems start becoming a monthly event. There won't be a check that will cover the social dislocations and upheavals.
The answers are not difficult. Stop acting as the world's policeman. It makes us less secure and costs trillions (Iraq alone =$4-6 trillion over time). End the subsidies to carbon producers. The IMF estimates the world total for 2015 will be $5.3 trillion. Focus on broad infrastructure, the essential foundation for future economic strength. But the political will is lacking
Well if you want to see something really strange grade crossing wise. This is the former Milwaukee Road Branch to Monroe, WI. Now WSOR in combination with the state has done a good job pulling the track up from the weeds and increasing weight limits and speed. During Milwaukees time this line could only have a lightweight GP9 on it and then it was crawling 10 mph through the weeds.
Anyways look at the difference in crossing signals in the first three minutes. Focus in on the crossing signals at 1:25 in the below clip. Note the heavy duty tubular steel that blocks the entire roadway. This is a line that might see 2-3 trains a day MAX, slow freights with no Amtrak trains. Now contrast that Heavy Duty Crossing with some of the crossings that Amtrak traverses at a much higher speed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnzjJQP7s38
schlimm The answers are not difficult. Stop acting as the world's policeman. It makes us less secure and costs trillions (Iraq alone =$4-6 trillion over time). End the subsidies to carbon producers. The IMF estimates the world total for 2015 will be $5.3 trillion. Focus on broad infrastructure, the essential foundation for future economic strength. But the political will is lacking
OK so your barking up the wrong tree here on this issue. It is not lack of money or political will, at least not in Wisconsin and I would venture to bet that is the case across the country. It's lack of a legal entity taking responsibility for specific crossing maintenence (and no it does not default to the rail line). It depends on when the crossing was constructed and who constructed it.
A long time ago I was a school bus driver for a Summer in Wisconsin and tried to get some C&NW crossbucks upgraded to gates and flashers. Guess what? Problem is not money, problem is trying to get a legal entity to take ownership of the RR Crossing itself. Railroad said it was a County issue as the County owned the road according to them. County said the road was recently privately owned and constructed by a developer and they were not sure who was in charge of the crossing. This BS is happening in just about every state in the Union.
This country has a railroad crossing improvement program in most states and most notably in Wisconsin and it has never run out of money and it is still flush with money in Wisconsin at least BUT there are still crossbucks at various RR Crossings that Amtrak zooms across. The issue is MORE who wants to take ownership for the crossing and what legal entity to approach. Fix that problem and you will go a long ways to fixing grade crossings across the country.
Having said that check out the grade crossing quality variance in this WSOR video on the line to Monroe, WI which might see on a lucky day maybe 2-3 trains a day. Look at the Heavy Duty Crossing at time mark 1:25. Notice it is a fairly recent boulevard and there is probably no question who owns maintenence of the RR crossing. Note the other two crossings before it. Two lane roads, the one with flashers........jurisdiction over the crossing is probably clear. The one with crossbucks it is probably a private road that was converted to public use and no agreement yet on who maintains the crossing (and no it does not default to the RR). So, in my opinion that right there is the main issue. You can see it vividly in the video below. County Highways can apply for state funds to upgrade the railroad crossings BUT do they want to assume the liability and do they own the road outright? Was the road constructed by the County or a private developer?
Notice on the boulevard which I would guess is a State Highway.....there is no question about protection of the railroad tracks.
FWIW: When I was a kid this Milwaukee Branch could not rate more than a GP9 or MP15AC and then it would crawl along all the way through the weeds into Monroe, WI and not exceed more than 10-20 mph and most of the line was crossbucks with some flashers in between. So WSOR has done a good job with state money upgrading the line.
Another example of this issue. Read down through these guidlines and you can infer that in the past in Wisconsin, some roadway projects would specifically exclude railroad crossings. Again in my opinion, the entity doing the road project does not want to accept railroad crossing maintenece for the road in perpetuity or get sued if there is a grade crossing accident. They want the railroad to do it all and accept all liability.
http://www.co.portage.wi.us/planningzoning/7%20-%20Rail%20Coordination%20Local%20Program.pdf
schlimm The answers are not difficult. Stop acting as the world's policeman. It makes us less secure and costs trillions (Iraq alone =$4-6 trillion over time). End the subsidies to carbon producers.
The answers are not difficult. Stop acting as the world's policeman. It makes us less secure and costs trillions (Iraq alone =$4-6 trillion over time). End the subsidies to carbon producers.
dakotafredYes, the Middle East has been expensive. But it needn't have been a loss, until the current administration.
Well off topic but....
I am a little more rosy about the world than schlimm is and I would say it is hard to say that the Middle East is a loss yet. I actually see a silver lining in a maniac group running around cutting peoples heads off. Once Arabs have their own mini holocaust they will be more likely to think twice before sponsoring that type of behavior in a third country. We might even see a boost in secularism finally in which the pace of societal change in the ME can be acclerated somewhat. If that happens and is the outcome......it would be worth $10 Trillion to me as a taxpayer.
Think of the increased trade and exports alone from this country to all those ME countries that were happy to live in the stone age with a Dictator. Now they will be able to import our Railroad Technology finally.
BTW, Iraq was doing pretty well before we pulled out. They had a webco satellite system in place and Iraqi railway trains were being dispatched from Cedar Rapids, IA at one point. They bought some second hand Czech locomotives and had contracts out for new Passenger Equipment and were going to expand both Passenger and Freight Service...........not sure what happened to all that.
Our Media was whining a lot about us missing out on the first round of bidding by the Oil Companies and it turns out they were being coy and waiting for those contracts to fall apart and bid at lower prices after they did. We also have done pretty decently with increasing our civilian exports to Iraq, in my humble opinion.....considering the country is still largely at war.
Are we more secure now than before we invaded Iraq? No. We destabilized the region.
Was spending $4-6 trillion a wise investment? Could it have been spent better here or saved?
Most Americans say No and Yes.
schlimm Are we more secure now than before we invaded Iraq? No. We destabilized the region. Was spending $4-6 trillion a wise investment? Could it have been spent better here or saved? Most Americans say No and Yes.
Not really. We did not destabilize the region, it was unstable long before the 1970's. Additionally, we were not alone in wanting to see Mosedeq eliminated from Iran believe it or not the current regime in Iran (despite it's spin these days) wanted him gone as well. Read some of Kholmenis comments on that episode before it transpired and that he was leading a fundamentalist Islamic movement waaaayyyyyy back then. I believe either the King or one of the major Princes of Saudi Arabia was shot dead in 1975 because he opened the first TV station which went against the Islamic rules of display of graven images. Zoom forward to now and we have pictures of Bin Laden not only on TV but watching it as well..........THAT IS CHANGE. The timeline for change in the ME is a lot slower than it is in the United States but they are indeed changing. Sending close to 200,000 U.S. Troops into a country of what? 15-20 million is going to produce change as well......give it time. Foreign Policy is not like a light switch that can be flicked on for instant results. Sometimes there are setbacks, sometimes you deal with the wrong people. Ask the Haganah in Isreal up until 1938 they dealt directly with Adolph Eichman and even sat down and had tea with him to get more Jews to Palestine......Ooops, wrong guy. So we are not the only country having some setbacks here and there either.
Opinion polls are about immediate gratification not long-term foreign policy goals.
Differences in opinion are what makes a horse race and politics. Ignoring public opinion is the stuff of dictators and arrogant foolishness. The broad public is more correct than the advisors who thought Iraq would be a quick success. The basic premise was false. Even Rumsfeld acknowledges that.
I'm going to ignore the political stuff but ask a question similar to what I said on CNN 15 years ago. What if we spent the $ required for PTC to save an average of around 5 fatalaties a year and spent it on grade crossing improvements where over 400 lives are lost each year?
Buslist I'm going to ignore the political stuff but ask a question similar to what I said on CNN 15 years ago. What if we spent the $ required for PTC to save an average of around 5 fatalaties a year and spent it on grade crossing improvements where over 400 lives are lost each year?
When I was in 'Technology' a couple of decades ago, all the 'techies' wanted to have their names associated with 'new development' - no matter how big a POS that new development was, rather than actually get assigned to a group that was assigned to making the last 'new development' that was a POS to actually work and do something for the company, which was viewed at drudgrey.
In the same vein PTC is 'new development', and crossing improvements and a host of other initiatives that are actually more productive are drudgery.
Well as I said earlier I think you still have issues at below the State level with jurisdictional disputes on who owns the particular grade crossing in question and whom is responsible for maintaining it. Across the country I think we need to settle that first. Then make all counties and townships aware there is a grade crossing improvement program that in most cases will cost them almost nothing to get a crossings warning devices upgraded.
In majority of the cases the issue is NOT lack of money.
schlimm dakotafred There's not the money to pay for them. Every one is a struggle. One more example, if it were needed, of how infrastructure in this country is starved in favor of spending for other priorities. Ending money-hole, pointless 'adventures' such as Iraq might be a start, as its total costs may reach $4-5 trillion. A fraction of that spent on infrastructure here could do far more for our security than foreign ops.
dakotafred There's not the money to pay for them. Every one is a struggle. One more example, if it were needed, of how infrastructure in this country is starved in favor of spending for other priorities.
It wouldn't do a thing for your security, or mine. We (and, I presume, the other posters here) are smart enough to stay out of the way of moving trains.
Even a railroad built with total grade separation can't keep rubber-wheelers off the tracks. Original Shinkansen route, down in a cut, had a pickup drop in when the driver tried to find a fourth route at a T intersection. Fortunately it wasn't hit (the detectors worked) and was winched up and back on the road in rapid order.
As for not financing conflict 'over there,' I prefer that to financing it over here. Or do you really want to learn Arabic?
Chuck [MSgt(ret)]
FYI: Grade crossing accidents pose a danger to operating employees, passengers, freight and the general public, far beyond the victims at crossings.
Unprovoked invasions of other nations to remove legitimate, recognized governments using false justifications tends to provoke reprisals and has created the mess we see in the ME today. Neither party here has been correct in their analysis. We have bipartisan SNAFUs.
schlimm FYI: Grade crossing accidents pose a danger to operating employees, passengers, freight and the general public, far beyond the victims at crossings. Unprovoked invasions of other nations to remove legitimate, recognized governments using false justifications tends to provoke reprisals and has created the mess we see in the ME today. Neither party here has been correct in their analysis. We have bipartisan SNAFUs.
ME has been in flames since Biblical times and before; unabated to the present - with and without the help of Western 'powers'.
BaltACDME has been in flames since Biblical times and before; unabated to the present - with and without the help of Western 'powers'.
This is true but I have to say they have one hell of a railroad program on the shelf once they achieve peace. If you look at each independent country over there they have plans to all interconnect by rail and then connect to China via Pakistan and India. Afghanistan has probably the most ambtious rail construction plan, going from zero miles to close to 7-12,000. Thats pretty kick *** if you ask me.
BaltACD schlimm FYI: Grade crossing accidents pose a danger to operating employees, passengers, freight and the general public, far beyond the victims at crossings. Unprovoked invasions of other nations to remove legitimate, recognized governments using false justifications tends to provoke reprisals and has created the mess we see in the ME today. Neither party here has been correct in their analysis. We have bipartisan SNAFUs. ME has been in flames since Biblical times and before; unabated to the present - with and without the help of Western 'powers'.
The ME was far more stable than Europe for many centuries. Study some history if you disagree.
We're getting a bit off topic here. Europe wasn't always such an idyllic place either, for that matter.
I think it was Mark Twain who said humans are the only animals who blush --- or who need to.
Shameful behavior isn't geographically limited.
North America had a fair share of wars, particularly in the 19th C. Latin America has been chronically unstable. The ME was actually pretty stable as part of the Ottoman Empire. So the best policy for the US is to mind our own affairs at home. Rebuilding our infrastructure is something both parties generally agree on, but they will not cooperate to get it done.
"So the best policy for the US is to mind our own affairs at home. Rebuilding our infrastructure is something both parties generally agree on, but they will not cooperate to get it done."
And when we are done hiding in our collective closets, we can put up big neon sign on the mexican border "Terrorist Enter Here - No checks - No charge - be sure to file for free healthcare - Have a nice day".
[quote user="BOB WITHORN
[/quote]
It must be very stressful to live in constant fear. You stand a greater chance of being struck by lightning than being killed by a terrorist.
Do you remember 9/12/2001, when us military recruiters were overwhelmed by young men who wanted to join and go after the guys who did it? That is what happens in the Middle East every time a US made missle or bomb goes off.
That said, our economy is tightly intertwined with our military budget. If you suddenly reduced the military spend to the level where it should be, you would put thousands of people out of their high paying jobs and our economy would probably collapse.
Phoebe VetThat is what happens in the Middle East every time a US made missle or bomb goes off.
Thats what the extremists want us to think what happens but increasingly not so much. Even among a religious zealots, humans cannot be fooled long term about the impact of war. If it were otherwise the Ayotollah never would have made peace with Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war. He knew though that after so many years, his population could not take the body count or deprivations of war much longer without a revolt which would threaten his survival.
You are trying to equate a loosely organized band of primitive zealots with an organized government.
BOB WITHORN "So the best policy for the US is to mind our own affairs at home. Rebuilding our infrastructure is something both parties generally agree on, but they will not cooperate to get it done." And when we are done hiding in our collective closets, we can put up big neon sign on the mexican border "Terrorist Enter Here - No checks - No charge - be sure to file for free healthcare - Have a nice day".
You may have reason to be hiding in your closet, but most folks go on about their daily lives rejecting paranoid propaganda about terrorists.
Call me when somebody mentions trains again.
How do you figure I'm living in fear? My comment was in response to the US getting out of everywhere else and spending the money here.
I do not live in fear of much of anything. I'm far from any place anyone would ever bother with. I am very much a supporter of our military. My father was in b24's in the S Pacific in ww2 and a god son is an A10 pilot, currently over there. Fear, no. concern, yes. Much prefer to fight them there then here.
Ending foreign involvment won't do much to improve grade crossing safety. The money will get spent on more entitlements for those that do not deserve them. Spending for infrastructure won't include much for rail projects, it won't get them enough votes at election time.
And yes I do ramble on at times
ACY Call me when somebody mentions trains again. Tom
Well we went over the grade crossing improvement programs that still have money in them year after year and we still have several posters stuck on the guns vs butter argument when it has already been pointed out this is really a guns with butter issue. We have the funds each year and the funds are rarely exhausted on a year to year basis..........which means not a whole lot of RR crossing improvement projects are being applied for against the existing funds.
That is the crux of this specific issue.
Grade separation, like everything else, requires a cost-benefit analysis.
There is one stretch of lightly-used rail which crosses a number of public streets, the entrances to a large gas station/travel center and umpteen street-to-carport driveways. It sees three trains on a busy day, mostly in the 0-dark-00s I doubt that that branch generates enough gross revenue in a century to pay for the cost of total grade separation for those several small-town urban blocks. The town and county aren't concerned. Neither are the homeowners.
Granted that we started out discussing Amtrak. An Amtrak vs. rubberwheeler will generate statewide coverage. Amtrak with fatalities, NBC and ABC are all over it. Freight vs. vehicle won't even make the local news unless there are fatalities or major damage to anything beside the vehicle. (We had one here a couple of days ago. 30 seconds on the local news, because the driver met St. Peter ahead of schedule.)
Chuck (lives where Amtrak doesn't run)
Obviously we do not have, and never will have, enough money to suddenly reconstruct every crossing. I suggest two things. First, STOP CREATING NEW GRADE LEVEL CROSSINGS. Second, each year, close or reconstruct those crossings that have had the highest number of collisions during the previous ten years. Eventually, the number of collisions will be reduced.
Phoebe Vet Obviously we do not have, and never will have, enough money to suddenly reconstruct every crossing. I suggest two things. First, STOP CREATING NEW GRADE LEVEL CROSSINGS. Second, each year, close or reconstruct those crossings that have had the highest number of collisions during the previous ten years. Eventually, the number of collisions will be reduced.
For the past decade or more, my carrier has been active in persuing the clossing of road crossings. Last report that I had heard stated that more than a thousand had been closed, of course there are more than 28,000 that are still open.
People never want crossings closed, even when realistic alternate routes have grade separation and the overall distance between their origins and destinations via either route is negligible.
tomikawaTTGrade separation, like everything else, requires a cost-benefit analysis.
OTOH You Can't Fix Stupid (thank you, Ron White). This clueless SUV driver plowed into the back of a haz-mat tanker truck stopped at a four lane road crossing (used by the Coast Starlight), fortunately no ensuing fireball. Guess she skipped lane changing class in driver ed.
MikeF90 OTOH You Can't Fix Stupid (thank you, Ron White). This clueless SUV driver plowed into the back of a haz-mat tanker truck stopped at a four lane road crossing (used by the Coast Starlight), fortunately no ensuing fireball. Guess she skipped lane changing class in driver ed.
Approaching a place where you will probably have to stop or maneuver is NOT where you should diddle with temperature controls on an unfamiliar vehicle! I wonder how much damage was done to the propane hauler.
Notice that the ODOT considers one or fewer crunched cars per year to be an acceptable risk - no additional action needed. (Except for a brain enhancement for Madame Clueless...)
Sun Rail hit auto running around gate near Sanford. Not hurt but ticketed.
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/sunrail-train-crashes-into-car-in-sanford/33829168
MARC trrain hits MARC hi-rail. From the following news item the HI-rail might have been getting on track before time allowed ? Balt ?
http://wtop.com/sprawl-crawl/2015/07/marcs-brunswick-line-suspended/slide/1/
blue streak 1 MARC trrain hits MARC hi-rail. From the following news item the HI-rail might have been getting on track before time allowed ? Balt ? http://wtop.com/sprawl-crawl/2015/07/marcs-brunswick-line-suspended/slide/1/
The hi-rail was operating within a MofW defined work zone (707 in CSX terminology) and was in the process of getting off the track - Blocking had been provided for the track the hi-rail was operating on, with the understanding that the other track was 'hot'. What the operator of the hi-rail was thinking?????
One that did not happen but you cannot make these things up. A runaway car ( unmaned ) goes down embankment and fouls Keystone line. CAT has to be shut off so tow truc can extricate car.
http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/update-amtrak-trains-still-being-held-up-after-runaway-car/article_fae49268-394b-11e5-a2f6-5be55e5785bd.html
blue streak 1 One that did not happen but you cannot make these things up. A runaway car ( unmaned ) goes down embankment and fouls Keystone line. CAT has to be shut off so tow truc can extricate car. http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/update-amtrak-trains-still-being-held-up-after-runaway-car/article_fae49268-394b-11e5-a2f6-5be55e5785bd.html
Around Lancaster, it could have been a Amish horse and buggy!
Caltrain got vehicle but the sheriff pulled driver out of car at last moment. Note: Caltrain fatalitys up to 16 this year. ( auto and tresspassers )
http://www.ktvu.com/story/29701263/deputy-pulls-driver-to-safety-moments-before-caltrain-crash
This is almost an incredible happening. Even writers would have a hard time making this up. . How does an Amtrak train hit a truck pulling a watercraft and the truck hits a raft in the water that a woman is riding on ? ( sunbathing ? ). By the way driver and woman in critical condition.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/breaking-news/ci_28675798/brentwood-2-severely-injured-after-train-collides-truck
Another Amtrak collision with oversized load. This one was an extra heavy TT but just clipped end of trailer. Could have been much worse. Are the oversize / overweight loads have a bulls eye on Amtrak locos ?
http://patch.com/illinois/lakeview/1-injured-when-amtrak-train-strikes-semi-somonauk-reports
One recent collision has been overlooked. This information comes from conventional news sources, plus a conversation with a passenger on the train. On October 8, the northbound Amtrak Crescent Limited struck a Ford F-150, killing the woman who was driving the truck, in the vicinity of Leeds and Moody, Alabama. The passenger told me a school bus was evidently stopped for the passage of a freight train. When the last car of the freight train passed, the woman drove around the bus and around the gates, only to be struck by the passenger train. News reports indicate the gates and flashers were operating properly. I understand the school bus had no children aboard to see this.
blue streak 1 Another Amtrak collision with oversized load. This one was an extra heavy TT but just clipped end of trailer. Could have been much worse. Are the oversize / overweight loads have a bulls eye on Amtrak locos ? http://patch.com/illinois/lakeview/1-injured-when-amtrak-train-strikes-semi-somonauk-reports
It now appears that this driver was involved in another incident shortly before Amtrak hit him. This driver should be ?????
http://www.wspynews.com/news/local/truck-driver-involved-in-amtrak-accident-near-somonauk-knocked-down/article_19545816-729d-11e5-b72f-0bfa9e92bef9.html
blue streak 1 blue streak 1 Another Amtrak collision with oversized load. This one was an extra heavy TT but just clipped end of trailer. Could have been much worse. Are the oversize / overweight loads have a bulls eye on Amtrak locos ? http://patch.com/illinois/lakeview/1-injured-when-amtrak-train-strikes-semi-somonauk-reports
1. Does anyone know if this was the SW Chief, or the Zypher?
2. Since Amrtrak struck the trailing edge of the trailer, maybe the truck was the one with the "Bulls Eye"?
From the media link, the location (? 41°37'48.79"N 88°42'22.11"W ?) appears to be one where there is not a lot of room between the double track and the road intersection (about 72 feet)... So if waiting for traffic to clear, tail end overhangs the track...?
from the Far East of the Sunset Route
(In the shadow of the Huey P Long bridge)
JC UPTON 1. Does anyone know if this was the SW Chief, or the Zypher? 2. Since Amrtrak struck the trailing edge of the trailer, maybe the truck was the one with the "Bulls Eye"? From the media link, the location (? 41°37'48.79"N 88°42'22.11"W ?) appears to be one where there is not a lot of room between the double track and the road intersection (about 72 feet)... So if waiting for traffic to clear, tail end overhangs the track...?
The second link gave the information that it was the Chicago to Emeryville train.
What sort of gating seems to be involved in all these crossing accidents? How much time from lowering of gates to the train reaching the crossing?
This is getting far too common, sad to say. And people getting hit by trains when they are trespassing by walking on ROW. OL tries to get the word out, but as a friend always says "you can't fix stupid". People don't seem to understand that a train and a car should never be in the same place at the same time. Have a friend who is retired BNSF engineer and has been involved in collisions where people have died. He said he can't let it bother him, he's where he's supposed to be and they are not.
Sunnylandas a friend always says "you can't fix stupid".
So is total resignation and doing nothing the answer? Are Americans so different (more stupid) than people elsewhere where crossing incidents are more infrequent? Sorry, but I don't think so. I know empirically that Americans are at least as intelligent as people in other nations. So the answers to this problem will be found, but not by merely blaming the victims (or "Darwin Award winners, since some on here have repeatedly refused to see the drivers or pedestrians killed and injured as victims).
I suspect it would help to find a way to discourage earbud use by anybody who is on the R-O-W or crossing it. Maybe pass some kind of law to that effect, but I'm not so naive that I think passing such a law means it will be complied with. Maybe that kind of law already exists. If so, we see how much good it's doing. It seems that most of these accidents can be attributed to earbuds, inattention, and ignoring signals & gates. I'm at a loss as to how to change these behaviors.
ACY I suspect it would help to find a way to discourage earbud use by anybody who is on the R-O-W or crossing it. Maybe pass some kind of law to that effect, but I'm not so naive that I think passing such a law means it will be complied with. Maybe that kind of law already exists. If so, we see how much good it's doing. It seems that most of these accidents can be attributed to earbuds, inattention, and ignoring signals & gates. I'm at a loss as to how to change these behaviors. Tom
Deggesty ACY I suspect it would help to find a way to discourage earbud use by anybody who is on the R-O-W or crossing it. Maybe pass some kind of law to that effect, but I'm not so naive that I think passing such a law means it will be complied with. Maybe that kind of law already exists. If so, we see how much good it's doing. It seems that most of these accidents can be attributed to earbuds, inattention, and ignoring signals & gates. I'm at a loss as to how to change these behaviors. Tom Tom, considering the number of people who think that the belts and straps in cars and trucks that are intended to reduce fatalities and injuries are of no value, and the people who cannot comprehend that the purpose of crossing gates is to protect the public from contact with trains--no matter how many times they have been told that such are for their protection, how can you best describe such people? It seems that they refuse to learn.
Tom, considering the number of people who think that the belts and straps in cars and trucks that are intended to reduce fatalities and injuries are of no value, and the people who cannot comprehend that the purpose of crossing gates is to protect the public from contact with trains--no matter how many times they have been told that such are for their protection, how can you best describe such people? It seems that they refuse to learn.
In my daily walks around the neighborhood, I am amazed by all the people that think to do anything outside they need to be connected to their I-pad or other devices. Brain dead to the actual world around them.
Southbound Starlight hits pickumup truck norht of Sacremento. Driver did not survive.
http://www.kcra.com/news/local-news/news-sacramento/1-killed-when-train-vehicle-crash-in-sutter-county/36009918
Here's another one. I'm a bit familiar with this area. The crossing is an entrance to a small industrial park-like area.
http://www.fox8live.com/story/30426997/amtrak-train-collides-with-18-wheeler-near-ponchatoula
From the time of the original report (2:38 this afternoon), it may have been the northbound train, #58, running a little late.
Deggesty From the time of the original report (2:38 this afternoon), it may have been the northbound train, #58, running a little late.
Unconfirmed report CHI - Michigan train hit a vehicle some where aroundMichigan city. A details. If these collisions continue Amtrak will not be able to have enough locos to run their schedules.
blue streak 1 Unconfirmed report CHI - Michigan train hit a vehicle some where aroundMichigan city. A details. If these collisions continue Amtrak will not be able to have enough locos to run their schedules.
Why not simply improve the safety of crossings? Look and see how some other countries handle level crossings with fewer accidents rather than the same old routine. What's wrong with that?
http://www.wafb.com/story/30457971/amtrak-train-carrying-lsu-fans-crashes-in-alabama
BaltACD http://www.wafb.com/story/30457971/amtrak-train-carrying-lsu-fans-crashes-in-alabama
unconfirmed report 92 hit logging truck north of Camden, SC. Report says loco unable to continue but does not indicate whether loco can trail or not. Waiting for a CSX leader ?
Missed a couple but Builder #7 hit large TT today. Both engines disabled and will wait for train 8 to loan one loco. Unconfirmed but likely Amtrak will borrow at least one BNSF loco for each train ? This is a real epidemic of TT drivers. Fatigue due to driver shortage ?
http://www.kxnet.com/story/30587782/several-injuries-on-amtrak-train-that-hit-truck-near-granville
A very disturbing figure is that in 2014 there were ~ 2300 train - vehicle collisions. That averages out to ~ 6-1/2 per day. Wonder how many involve heavy trucks or overweight equipment ?
3 killed, 3 hospitalized near New Iberia as AMTRAK's Sunset Limited (#2) hits car stopped on track. Accident occurred just before 6PM Wednesday.
Death toll now 4.
One of the twin teens, previously in critical condition, died from injuries in hospital.
Northbound TriRail hit garbage truck on grade crossing 22 hurt but not truck driver.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/breaking-news/tri-rail-crashes-into-truck-in-lake-worth/npxCN/
collision in Michigan 1 dead.
http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2016/01/amtrak_vs_car_crash_closes_e_m.html
Cannot understand something. Since RRs are considered under federal regulation why cannot the FRA pass a regulation allowing for crossing cameras and violators be fined heavily ? Say $1000 first offense and additional offense for each additional violation ? Plus then send to state courts for license points or maybe first state then federal ?
Red light cameras certainly gets drivers attention.
To follow up on old news, the verdict and award against the trucking company whose driver hit the California Zephyr in 2011 was upheld:
http://www.ktvn.com/story/31074299/45-million-award-to-amtrak-upheld-in-deadly-nevada-truck-crash
The award to Amtrak was $4.5 million. Something for those other marginal operators to think about ....
Nea Joliet near intermodal terminal Amtrak hit a TT that went around lowered gate. Report as Loco #66 and 2 people slightly injured. The bad thing is this report says 5 vehicles went around gate before this 6th did not make t.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/joliet-romeoville/news/ct-joliet-train-truck-collision-20160219-story.htmla
blue streak 1 Cannot understand something. Since RRs are considered under federal regulation why cannot the FRA pass a regulation allowing for crossing cameras and violators be fined heavily ? Say $1000 first offense and additional offense for each additional violation ? Plus then send to state courts for license points or maybe first state then federal ? Red light cameras certainly gets drivers attention.
I would think that the RR Police (or any other Law Enforcement) already can write tickets to drivers going around the gates/lights; at least they can in Canada. CN has already started installing cameras at crossings with Automatic Warning Devices, and I believe they work in the same fashion as red-light cameras, at any rate they will be very useful for accident investigations.
Greetings from Alberta
-an Articulate Malcontent
Downeaster hit auto this morning.
http://www.wcvb.com/news/train-car-collide-in-andover/38117170#comments
Train 718 hit unoccupied RV. RV driver ran away from tain and debri hit driver serious injuries. It seems very hard for anyone to not run away from towards an imminent collision down the tracks instead of perpendicular to tracks.
http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Train-slams-into-stalled-RV-in-Berkeley-driver-6869557.php
And the train in Berkly was on the NEC? Dunb use of a file photo.
MARCH 7, 2016 6:21 AM
An Amtrak train carrying about 160 passengers hit an SUV that was left on the tracks at Old Dowd Road in west Charlotte early Monday.
No injuries were reported aboard the Crescent line train that travels from New Orleans to New York. The collision occurred near Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Crews were able to remove the unoccupied vehicle from under the train, which continued to its stop in Charlotte. It arrived around 4 a.m., a nearly three hour delay, according to WBTV, the Observer’s news partner.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are looking for the driver of the SUV.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article64497532.html
Amtrak train (97?) hit a bicyclist this morning in Jacksonville. Reportedly, a freight train cleared the crossing and the bicyclist started across the tracks without waiting for the gates to rise, and was then struck by the passenger train running in the opposite direction. The rider was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
This delayed other trains on the railroad, including the southbound Auto Train, which was already late and hoping to make up time because of a very serious disruption several days ago.
A westbound Amtrak San Joaquin #713 hit a pickup truck at an unmarked crossing and the three occupants were killed. Apparently the impatient driver diverted from the Ave 9 crossing which was blocked by a freight.
http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/article77624007.html
Ironically this location is listed as a (yet unfunded) Caltrans project to extend Gregg siding into a longer stretch of 2MT.
http://goo.gl/maps/lJ4Vk
Here's another one:
http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/2-dead-after-car-tries-to-beat-train-across-tracks/369517968
Two young men, 23 and 24, went around another car and the crossing gate and were hit by southbound City of New Orleans. There is something about this area, just north and west of here, that seems to see a high number of these incidents.
Here's another one. Same general area as the one above on Dec 13. According to TV report, the women got out of the vehicle, but one was hit by debris.
http://www.fox8live.com/story/34143505/woman-critical-after-accident-with-amtrak-train-in-tangipahoa
OH boy OH boy --- CBS evening news showed a passenger train cab car in Utah hitting a Fed Ex TT but no one hurt. Guess that would be a front runner. But here is the kicker
------ Crossing lights and gates did not work ----------
Here comes the NTSB
http://fox13now.com/2017/01/24/caught-on-video-uta-frontrunner-train-crashes-into-fedex-truck/
http://www.good4utah.com/news/top-stories/frontrunner-train-collides-with-fedex-truck-in-woods-cross/643744855
wATCH THE GATES finally work
hope that is not a maintainer's truck parked next to the bungalow ?
"In the event of a power outage or lack of signal, crossing gates are programmed to default to the “down and active” position as a safety precaution. Preliminary information indicates the gates were affected by the severe ice and snow conditions at the time and were in the default “down and active” position, as they are programmed. After an employee responded to the location, the gates moved to the up position.
The operative question is - what actions did the employee that raised the protection take to see that trains were notified of his actions so that the trains could then provide protection in making their way over the crossing.
blue streak 1hope that is not a maintainer's truck parked next to the bungalow ?
It's worse than that. Watch the door open, and someone come out and run back in, just as the lights come on...
This subject is already beaten to death over in general comments -- best to wait for the results of the inevitable trial to start discussing how the 'blame' gets apportioned.
Sun Rail hits TT north of Orlando in Altamonte Springs. Have driven several times over this crossing and we believe it is a rather bad one wih its acute angle. Heavy traffic tends to rush the crossing when lights start. Do not remember that the location mentioned has a RR crossing that has to be backed across to receiver ?. Thank goodness was a north bound train with loco leading.
http://www.wftv.com/news/local/1-dead-in-sunrail-train-semitruck-crash-in-seminole-county-fhp-says/656351124
The US has no exclusive on passenger trains hitting vehicles at road crossings.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42358075
BaltACD For better or worse, an increasing number of organizations view Facebook as a useful tool. Usually speerheaded by young public relations types. Personally, I think it's the most useless piece of junk to come out of the digital age. blue streak 1 This auto almost got away at Slidell, La http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2015/03/amtrak_train_car_wreck_slidell.html Since when do Police post on Facebook and commercial newspapers us it as a source for their news articles?????
For better or worse, an increasing number of organizations view Facebook as a useful tool. Usually speerheaded by young public relations types.
Personally, I think it's the most useless piece of junk to come out of the digital age.
Empire builder gets hit in side of train by tractor trailer. No train injuries. Passenger car damages ? ?
http://host.madison.com/news/state-regional/semi-hits-amtrak-passenger-train-in-south-central-wisconsin/article_119b76b5-9502-52c8-92d3-6ea0aae0c309.html
Indian railways (IR) passenger trains collides with school bus. At least 13 school children killed unknown hurt.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/video/news/at-least-13-schoolchildren-killed-in-indian-bus-crash/vp-AAwmxgP
TRE hits dump truck killing 2 in dump truck. Lucky for Amtrak as it happened near time Eagle runs the route. Reported Eagle #21 detoured on UP ?
https://www.dallasnews.com/news/arlington/2018/08/25/1-dead-2-critically-injured-after-semi-truck-crashes-tre-train-north-arlington
Passengers were taken to a "strip club" per the article. Now that's a new one. Eye opening, I'm sure.
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