Skip to main content

Crossing safely

The driver of a stretch limousine in the US found out that his vehicle should stay on the right side of the tracks. The long wheelbase car had been rented by teenagers, celebrating a birthday in the US state of Indiana. However when the driver attempted to cross the rail tracks, the car became stranded on top with both axles clear of the ground. The teenagers and the driver got out of the vehicle safely and attempted to warn the driver of an oncoming goods train. However the heavily laden train was unable t
September 11, 2015 Read time: 1 min
The driver of a stretch limousine in the US found out that his vehicle should stay on the right side of the tracks. The long wheelbase car had been rented by teenagers, celebrating a birthday in the US state of Indiana. However when the driver attempted to cross the rail tracks, the car became stranded on top with both axles clear of the ground. The teenagers and the driver got out of the vehicle safely and attempted to warn the driver of an oncoming goods train. However the heavily laden train was unable to stop in time, ramming into the side of the limousine and shoving it a distance up the tracks.

Related Content

  • Successful pavement maintenance
    April 12, 2012
    This is the final section of a three-part series about preventive maintenance for pavements. Written by Alan S. Kercher, P.E., Kercher Engineering, Inc We practice preventive maintenance in our everyday lives and possibly with agency equipment such as dump trucks and backhoes, but when it comes to maintaining our roadways, most agencies will always defer repairs until the pavements have failed, resulting in very expensive repairs. This article will provide some guidance to help an agency make the switch fr
  • Driver distraction poses safety challenge
    June 5, 2015
    The modern automobile offers massive gains in safety over earlier generation vehicles. Occupant protection levels have been improved due to crash testing regimes that have ensured vehicles will not collapse catastrophically in the event of an impact. Braking systems are more effective and reliable, with ABS preventing skidding in wet weather conditions. The prospect of autonomous vehicles in the near future offer further safety gains to come. But right now, there is a problem. Too much technology is bein
  • Earthmoving machines the backbone of construction
    February 7, 2012
    Earthmoving machines remain the backbone of construction operations - writes Mike Woof. ADTs, excavators and wheeled loaders play pivotal roles in most construction jobs with the earthmoving stage providing a key component of most projects.
  • Electric power projects planned
    January 26, 2018
    While diesel engines continue to be developed, there is no mistaking the current plans for electric driveline projects - Mike Woof writes The growing worldwide consensus on the massive threat to humanity posed by climate change means that the need to reduce exhaust emissions from transport and construction is becoming ever more pressing. As a result, industry is changing and new solutions are being found for transport and construction that will help lower environmental impact. Although many solutions are