"Smart Crossings"

[SignalEngineerBob]

Found an interesting article on "Smart Crossings".

http://www.theday.com/article/20150502/NWS01/150509825

[cabman701]

Found an interesting article on "Smart Crossings".

http://www.theday.com/article/20150502/NWS01/150509825

Thanks for sharing. I find this whole subject so crazy.

In very few instances does an accident occur because the signals malfunctioned. It all comes back to the driver either trying to beat the train or not paying attention to their surroundings. Yet the ones who survive seem to always try and claim it's "not their fault".

The part of the story about the guy who couldn't see the flashing lights due to the sun, and the fact the horn was "turned backwards". Really??? I know the guy died... and I'm sorry that happened. But how is the sun the railroad's fault? And those horns are loud enough to hear no matter what direction they are pointed.

Man up and stop blaming everyone else for your own mistakes!

[SignalEngineerBob]

Very well said. My thought is, the only "Smart Crossing" is separated over, under or closed. I've been on a number of grade crossing surveys and let me tell you for the most part, people DO NOT take this serious. My personal belief is to have new drivers take Operation Lifesaver (or equivalent) training and show graphic pictures of what a train can do to a vehicle or, trespassers. Again, this is my opinion.

Back in the 90's, a few engineers and I at work were part of a team who took a survey on the new Aurora LED lights. We had to view the lights at various angles and with strong back lighting...including the sun. I'm not sure if the flashers at the crossing mentioned in the article were incandescent or LED but, the LEDs on the Aurora were visible at all angles and lighting conditions. One of the reasons Class 1 railroads (CSX and NS anyways) install LED units at all new installations.

[cabman701]

Yes... LED's have made things a lot safer not only for RR crossings but with traffic lights as well. NS has just starting using them though, I've seen very recent installations that still have incandescent.

The only LED's that I hate are on cop cars / emergency vehicles. Have you ever come up on one at night on a dark highway? Holy cow they are bright, nearly blinding bright. They should have a setting that dims them down at night.

[SignalEngineerBob]

...They should have a setting that dims them down at night.

Yes! I've nearly had to pull over a couple of times due to those lights...very dangerous! During the day I would understand but a dim setting for the night would be a great idea.