Show Ignoring signals Is Health Hazard Killed at a railroad crossing cross cross- ing THIS IS not the kind of epitaph epitaph ep ep- you want or anyone wants but it can be earned by drivers who habitually ignore ignore ig ig- nore railroad crossing warning warning warning warn warn- ing signs signals and mark mark- ings This warning was voiced today by Leo H. H Barlow Utah tah Safety Councils Council's Vice President President dent for Traffic HE WAS commenting on the increasing concern over the tragic loss of life in needless grade crossing accidents Crossing accidents except in the case of mechanical failure are avoidable but they are not being avoided Barlow said People just dont don't pay attention to the crossing that's the biggest problem BARLOW SAID there are ar a r number o of operating characteristics charac charac- t of both bath trains trams and motor vehicles which may be contributing factors in grade c crossing accidents that mo mo mo-f t should know about Some O of f these are 1 As a d driver iver you are less alert tor lor trains because you see fewer of them Reduced railroad railroad railroad rail rail- road passenger passenger- service and longer freight trains have cut the number of trains m in op op- 2 Our cars are so well sound-proofed sound that it is not always possible to hear the train whistle Closed car windows windows win- win winI I dows because of air conditioning conditioning condition condition- ing or use of the heater or radio or other distraction inthe inthe in inthe the car lessen the drivers driver's awareness of approaching trains 3 Improved roads and more powerful cars and trucks have increased highway speeds Drivers are on the crossing almost before they know it This is why obeying the warning warning warning warn warn- ing sign by slowing down is isso isso isso so very vital to survival 4 Train speeds are greater Some freight trains now travel travel trav trav- el 60 and 70 miles an hour They reach the crossing much faster than they did in the past and many motorists have not adjusted to this faster faste r speed Grade crossing collisions and their frightening consequences consequences consequences conse conse- have been a serious s problem since the operation of trains began he said The railroads and highway officials of the nation urge you to make this a basic driving rule watch for the round advance railroad warning warning warning warn warn- ing sign wherever you drive and when you see it slowdown slow slowdown slowdown down and be prepared to toj j stop top |