If people truly realized the dangers on and near train tracks, chances are they wouldn’t get themselves in to the fatal situations we see and read about every year. So why don’t more people "get it"?
Some scientists say it’s because of our eyes — seriously. Our peripheral vision, which can often help us out, does us a disservice when it comes to seeing really big objects, such as trains, coming our way. We think they’re moving much slower than they really are and some drivers figure they’ve got plenty of time to make the track crossing safely to the other side. The scientists argue it’s time to stop blaming drivers and start pushing for authorities to redesign grade crossings.
All that may be true. But the argument does little to account for all the other types of train-related fatalities, such as people walking along tracks or playing on or near them. Maybe the problem isn’t just with crossings or even our perception of a train’s speed, but of trains themselves.
The Little Engine That Could wasn’t exactly a speed demon. In fact, that was his problem. Given the other modes of transportation we have these days, trains seem relatively slow and clackety-clack — even though modern trains are anything but slow and clackety. Actually, they can be really quiet and sneak up on you before you know it, literally. If you’re relying on hearing one to keep you safe, you’re in real trouble.
Apparently our perception weaknesses extend to other modes of transportation, as well. Scientists say we have the same problem at airports. Bigger planes seem to glide into the airport while watching from a certain distance, while smaller planes appear to be speeding toward the tarmac. In reality, the bigger planes are going much faster. Fortunately, we’re not dashing out in front of big jets or small planes.
As for automobiles, we get into plenty of crashes and mishaps trying to apply our poor depth and distance perception skills. But most of us would never think of playing in the middle of I-5 or even along the shoulders. We know how dangerous it is.
We must start applying that same perception of danger to trains and train tracks. If a train is coming, stop. Period. Don’t try to outsmart the guard crossing or zip across a track without a long-armed gate. And don’t play or run near the tracks. It’s illegal anyway.
Technology and education will go far in preventing these types of deaths and more research into guard crossings is a positive thing, but even these tools and advances will never replace what’s already available: the application of caution, common sense and a new prescription for how we view trains.
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