ssstone said:
Tubytiger said:
poppa x said:
Bad enough they did nothing having been fore-warned. But they are reopening the crossing with no changes.
There was nothing wrong with the crossing - just the driver of the truck who allegedly drove through the crossing with its lights and bells blaring.... :
have you ever used that crossing tubby? have you ever crossed it in the autumn arvo with the sun in your eyes ? if not shut up.and if the driver was trying to beat the train how come he hit it at the back end ?and if there was nothing wrong with it why are the powers to be going to install early warning lights and boom gates. i know this crossing well,and at the least the road should be straightened up .this crossing was an accident waiting to happen with the traffic the swan hill rd carries these days.
I strongly suggest everyone waits for the result of the investigation in this matter.
The railway crossing issue should not be used as a political issue by either party, nor by states v federal or vice versa.
Normally, an investigation of this nature will check out the following:
a) Aspects of the train - speed (done by a 'black box'), maintance, lights, horn, driver, driver actions
b) Aspects of the truck - approx speed, maintance, approx when braking occurred.
c) Infrastructure - was the railway crossing up to Australian Standards
d) Enviromental aspects - vegetation, weather conditions.
e) Emergency services reaction.
Regarding your point about sun ssstone, it will be considered in the investigation.
Note: Australian Standards regarding railway crossings involves placement of signs, markings on roads, (lights & bells - for active railway crossings) and line of vision of drivers (roadside vegatation).
I must add, most accidents of this nature, the major cause is driver error. However, the reports still do indicate improvements to situations such as road alignment. Where i based my statement: www.atsb.gov.au
BTW, i have lived in country Victoria (including Lake Boga - just south of Swan Hill) most of life, i know this crossing very well.
My condolances to the families of all parties involved.