why do people think that it's okay to drive around railroad crossings when lights are flashing and gates down

Answer 1

Because they havent seen a car get hit by a 10,000 TON freight train. I am a conductor for NS and you wouldnt believe how many pedestrians and cars we hit during our career. Imagine going to work and unwillingly taking someones life because they were to rushed to wait at the crossing. Its not a good feeling and it is something that sticks with you for a long time. So if you are reading this, mind the crossing gates, sit back and relax for a few minutes. It will be good for you.

Answer 2

Because they think they'll save time. In their mind, they think that waiting for a train is going to take 10 or 15 minutes, which is WAY too long. In reality it might take 2 or 5 minutes, max. Most trains travel at 30 miles an hour or so in populated areas. A long train might be 1 mile long, so really it would only take 2 minutes to cross.

Now, if it were a metro train with passengers, it should wizz by pretty quick. Might take 20 seconds.

So, the answer is that they believe that those 2 minutes are more like 10 minutes. Thus, they figure their little maneuver will save them that much time.

Surprisingly, people that do that get hit ALL the time. Trains take hundreds of yards to stop.

Answer 3

There are two reasons why people ignore that which is intended to save their lives:

1. Stupidity. There is no cure for this. Stupidity is nature's way of thinnin' the herd.

2. Ignorance. Many states incorporate "Drivers Education" into their high school curriculum, preparing teens for their first drivers' licenses. Unfortunately, of those of which I am acquainted, grade crossing safety is not a part of the course.

It is because of this short coming that the 'Operation Lifesaver' program was instituted. These presentations, put on by railroad employees in voluntary capacity, are presented to younger students as well, as early as the fifth or sixth grade.

If you have children in school, take a pro-active approach and inquire as to whether there is a program such as this available in your school districts. It is never too early to educate our young ones to the death and destruction that awaits any one foolish enough to ignore any types of warning when on, near or crossing railroad tracks, whether in or on some type of vehicle or as a pedestrian.

These presentations are also given to adults where there day to day employment activities bring them into close contact with moving equipment, such as in factories and lumber mills, for example.

Recently, I had an opportunity to work with the California Highway Patrol at a local high school, doing the sound reinforcement for their presentation called, "Every 15 Minutes." This title alludes to the fact that every 15 minutes, someone in the State of California is a victim of a drunk driver. When speaking with the officers, I was informed that that number has been reduced to about every thirty minutes.

But, when considering grade crossing fatalities and injuries, that number stands at every 18 minutes. So, it can be inferred, that you are more likely to be killed by a train than a drunk driver.

Stop. Look. Listen. This is ones ONLY guarantee of safely crossing the tracks anywhere. Do not put your faith in grade crossing protection, either. They are not failsafe.

Answer 4

Probably because they are stupid dimwitted impatient fools who have never seen anyone get hit by a 200 ton locomotive that comes barreling down the tracks at say 50-60 MPH or better. They are also ignoring the fact that in virtually every state it is illegal to drive around lowered crossing gates. They are also ignoring the fact that if they do get hit by a train moving that fast they in all likelihood will get squashed like a bug.

Answer 5

People usually don't encounter trains in their day-to-day lives, and so have little experience with them. They think trains are slow-moving, they can't tell how far the thing is from the crossing, and most of all, they don't respect the flashing lights or horns as "stop" signals.

Answer 6

I believe it's because a lot of people think that those crossings close down earlier than they need to. Kinda like a caution light. When they see it go down they figure they still have time to cross. I'm not condoning the practice. I would never do that myself. I'm never in that big a hurry.

Answer 7

Pure unadulterated stupidity....there is no other reason or excuse, these are the same idiots who stop on the tracks when no train is coming if the light is red at the intersection, does not take a second for there to be a train upon them

Answer 8

I have no idea !! These are the same people who creep into the intersection to make a left turn JUST as the light turns red... who babble on their cell-phones while making a right-hand turn without checking for pedestrians... who double park to get their Starbucks... who park in handicapped spaces.

They are idiots who think the rules don't apply to THEM !!

People who are a good recommendation for euthanasia and genetic screening.

Answer 9

Because waiting for a train could take anywhere up to 30 seconds! If I stopped and waited for every train that wanted to go in front of me, at the next red light I get to, I'd be waiting for 30 seconds less! Alright, I might get hit by a train, but dying is a small price to pay for getting there quickly.

Answer 10

They don't think it is "ok" Just like any other violation they don't care. Really a simple answer don't you think?

No differrent than doing anything else stupid or high risk and unsafe. Many like to risk it for a kick.