Really, when was the last time you saw a train even pass through New Bedford? Because train companies and engineers literally have a dozen safety requirements when traveling through cities and towns. First, there are those flashing lights and guardrails that come down well in advance of a train coming through.
Having one of these fail would be about the same chance of hitting the lottery. Every inch of rail in America has a speed limit assigned to it. The only way anyone is going to hit a train is by trying to do so. Having school buses stop at train tracks in New Bedford makes as much sense as wearing a bullet proof vest at a laser tag match. It will just slow you down, but do little to actually protect you.
The year-old driver had driven the route for 3 years. During that time, no trains had crossed his path on the morning trip. So, when the short span visible on either side of the bus looked clear, he accelerated to cross the tracks. In addition to the driver, 25 of the 39 students on board died. To date, the accident is the worst train crossing tragedy in American history. Buses had always been required to stop at a crossing, but after that, drivers had to open the door and the window at their side to listen as well as look before moving forward.
Additionally, at first, a student would step off the bus, too, to serve as a lookout. He would look up and down the tracks to confirm whether a train was coming. However, that part of the procedure was dropped because of the danger involved. Actual laws regarding stopping at railroad tracks vary around the country.
Most states literally mention school buses in their regulations. The same law is also extended to trucks that carry hazardous materials. This is typical if the crossing is no longer active. Railroad crossing signals do fail and there are thousands of collisions each year between trains and cars, many of which end in fatalities. Get secret updates: Facebook Twitter Email Kindle.
Photo: You Need Style cc. Entry filed under: History and Origins. Tags: , accident , bus , crash , crossing , railroad , railway , salt lake city , school , school bus , train , utah , xing. Antoine April 8, at am. Chad Upton April 8, at am. The front of the bus must stop between 15 and 50 feet before the crossing.
Maybe the photo threw you off since the bus is in the process of crossing the tracks. Victoria April 8, at am. They should clear the crossing before stopping, or wait until they can cross. Deanna J. Dragonus December 2, at am. The Department of transportation in each state is charged with maintaining the visibility maintenance of these signs. They do stop before the tracks. At least the busses I have been on did. Michiel April 8, at am. How about placing signals at a crossing? Or a gate?
Or a simple bell that start ringing when a train is approaching? All things that have been done before. Yes, most crossings have lights and a bell, if not a gate. In many cases, these have battery backup systems and fail-safe designs. The law still stands. Last paragraph: Railroad crossing signals do fail and there are thousands of collisions each year between trains and cars, many of which end in fatalities.
Cole April 15, at pm. April 30, at pm. When my theater director took us to the All-State Theater Convention this January, he had to learn how to drive a short bus so as to save costs for the trip rather than hiring an actual bus driver. He made a huge deal out of stopping at all the railroad crossings and opening the door; this became a big inside joke on the trip. Cool to know that it actually serves an important purpose!
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