Sorry to hear about this accident. We can still be thankful his life was spared! Here in Rockford nothing was mentioned in the news about this. Thanks for sharing Charlie
With regards to the guy on his cell at 4 in the morning, he was probably talking to someone in Europe. I used to occasionally sit in on calls with people in Europe and they enevitably take place no later then 7 am and no earlier then 7pm. I feel uncomfortable discussing cell phones here, because of the immediate accident, but I agree with Ironhorseman. Statistically speaking, things aren't that bad. Course driving a car is still more dangerous then just about anything else you ever do in your life. I'm also uncomfortable judging people and how they use cell phones. We've all seen the proverbial makeup in the rear view mirror/reading the paper in traffic person, but they're few and far between. With the advent of hands free sets, I think the danger is significantly reduced. Saying we got along fine prior to Cellphones is true, we also lived in a smaller world. We got along fine prior to the internet too, and the internet has been proven to negativly effect job performance. We better shut this place down and communicate via mimeographed 'zine.
Charlie, sorry to hear of this nasty accident. It's something that should have been avoided. Best wishes to your friend and his family. Only when used and I'd have to question what 'significantly reduced' would mean here. Unfortunately, nowhere near enough people bother to use their cell (here we call them mobile) phones with the supplied hands-free equipment let alone buy an wireless headset or vehicle installed system. That's why it's been made a violation with a hefty fine and points off your licence in most, if not all, states of Australia to use a phone whilst in motion. Queensland recently tripled their fine to $225 and three points off your licence because the original $75 fine and no point loss was treated with the contempt it deserved. Overwhelmingly, the greatest offenders in the above case are those in the best position financially to have the latest and greatest hands-free equipment. Yes, I am talking to you Mr. and Mrs. BMW /SUV/4WD driver!
First of all, I would like to thank everyone who has responded to the cell-phone / mobile-phone discussion part of this thread by keeping the discussion, "civil". You guys are the greatest .. and that's why Trainboard.com is heads and shoulders above all others. You make my job as a moderator of The Ready Track a whole lot easier. Thanks again, and happy Thanksgiving!
===================================================== You are welcome and a most happy Thanksgiving to you as well. Looking at it objectively here, the problem is not the cell phone or CB radio, it is the inattentive,distracted driver. Where this shove was taking place is at an industrial siding. What could have been worse is that this could have happened on the main track which is nearby. The question is what was this driver thinking? Did the driver not see the train or did the driver think that he or she could beat the shove over the crossing? Was this driver's attention that distracted? People take just too many risks. On the BNSF "Aurora Racetrack" there are ALWAYS crossing incidents. People are just in too much of a hurry for whatever reason. It is not just the single occupant vehicle, it is also the soccer-mom mini van with kids or the car-pool commute. Winter is especially dangerous with cars sliding into the crossings or commuters tripping or sliding on ice while rushing for their train. I'm sorry folks but there is NO job work risking your life and limb for. If one has an employer that is so intolerant that they cant understand why the delay,then one needs to change employers. BELIEVE ME,as a retired railroader I dealt firsthand with an employer who was quite time sensitive. I adjusted my habits and schedule to accomodate the demands. Even my employer was understanding if there was a problem. If one repeatedly has a problem with getting to work on time,then one must change their habits or patterns. Again what we had is an everyday workingman whose life and limb was unexpectedly and unjustifiably altered by the selfish, careless and illegal actions of another person who apparently escaped unscathed. The responsibility lies with the human,not with the machine. CT
Just a thought... Saw a show on Discovery (I think) the other night where a double amputee was climbing Everest. Surely this man could get a prosthetic and get back to what he loves doing - if his employer helps him financially and his will is strong. Personally, I think the driver should have to reimburse your friend and the RR for any and all costs associated with the accident and getting him back to work - restoring him to where he was before the accident. (Almost) Accidents happen - and people need to be held accountable. Wishes for a speedy and full recovery for your friend. I hope he gets to climb back up into a loco soon.
