Russ,
The figure I quoted was some years ago, so I am sure you are correct.
Another figure that I have heard quoted was that, at one time, BN had
at least one train/auto collision per day somewhere on the system.
Unfortunately, no matter what the circumstances are, the RR usually
loses in court if it goes to trial. Juries always favor the "little"
guy. I understand that most cases are settled out of court for that
very reason. Maybe some of our lawyer members can comment on that.
Years ago, I did hear a story of a lady in Downers Grove who ran into
the side of a Pacific on a commuter train, damaging the rods and valve
gear. The RR offered to settle out of court, but she thought she would
do better in a trial. When the facts were presented, she lost and wound
up paying not only for her own vehicle's damage, but also the damage to
the RR property. Once in a while, the RR wins!
Bill Barber
On Tuesday, January 28, 2003, at 05:20 AM, BRHSlist@yahoogroups.com
wrote:
Message: 6
Date: Mon, 27 Jan 2003 10:18:35 -0600
From: "Russell Strodtz" <vlbg@e...>
Subject: Re: Cars running into trains.
Bill,
Based on the BNSF incident reporting that 1/3 figure is probably
a little low.
Was a funny one in Southern Missouri or Northern Arkansas recently.
Police advise the RR that someone had driven into a train. RR tries
to match the train and has a train stop and inspect. Sure enough
about a hundred deep there is evidence of a fresh collision. Nothing
unusual here but the one thing the RR has as proof was the vehicle's
front license plate, which had somehow got stuck or wedged into
the side of the car. Take that one to court!
Russ
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