How could the driver (and team) be so dense?

cdnpont · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

How could the driver (and team) be so dense?

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

I saw that video. The cameraman seems pretty calm. My tone of voice would have been much louder and swear words would have been used.

cdnpont · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Imagine if that had been Ammonia and LPG tankers. They would have been asphyxiated then roasted for good measure. Just kidding, but I would have at least moved to a safer vantage point.

The lack of awareness all round is astounding.

Brian · Addicted!

I was a Locomotive Engineer (train driver) for many years and you wouldn't believe some of the
stupid things people do a at road crossings. Some people have a death wish.

cdnpont · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

That has to be one of the most frightening jobs out there Brian.

That being said, it's amazing how survivable the new locomotives seem to be in a wreck. Are they armored in the front?

CdnGMfan · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Figure 70 tons per loaded railway car. That is a huge amount of energy when it comes off the rails. I'd get the hell out of there.

You'd think that with the long load the truck had, there would be a spotter truck & even an escort with prior route clearance. The trucker was just sitting at a traffic light with too much length out back for normal driving. Fail! I wonder what the total payout for the insurance claim would be?

unruhjonny · Guru

wouldn't the driver of the train know a ways out that the truck is there?

I thought large loads like that often have permits ect in place just to move on public roadways - I would think that the trains would know, and at least slow before the crossing was in sight.

Brian · Addicted!

No there is no armour plating just some heavy duty steel up front.

No the railway would not be informed of the road movement that I know of.

Some crossings maybe on a straight or curve and if the train has loaded or empty cars and amount of cars
and speed on that piece of track can make a big difference of stopping distance from 1/4 mile to a mile or more.

I did notice that the crossing had gate arms.

cdnpont · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

As it appears, the transport was moving north into a construction zone with the beam. Sat waiting to be marshalled onto the site I suppose.

Tractor sat on the new bridge not yet open to traffic. No traffic light blocking him, maybe some light trucks or equipment? But he had already crossed and was blocking an active road. To his credit, he did attempt to move at the bitter end.

And yeah, AHHHHHHH!!!! You you idiots!!! Who is driving these heavy hauls these days? Who and where are the teams supporting this.?

And yes Cameron, how much would the insurance payout be? 100 million?

Sorry.