http://cfnrfm.ca/train-logging-truck-crash-near-burns-lake/ I'm surprised there's been no mention of this, which happened two weeks ago. Some in cab views of the collision are floating around the 'Net. They show clearly the truck just drives right across in front of the train, which hits almost smack in the middle of that log load, then heads to a ditch. Scary. Thankfully everyone survived.
As a presenter for Operation Life Saver, I encounter a lot of ignorance out there all the time. It is not that some folks don't think, some of them just don't know. They can't wrap their mind around simple physics. If a truck can stop in a hundred yards, a train should be able to also. Other trucks and cars slow down to avoid hitting you. Should be the same.
Being a trucker, I don't understand this kind of thing. I have my share of complaints about drivers of cars doing stupid things in front of me, as Russell pointed out, they don't seem to have a grasp of basic physics. Maybe it's a case of not paying attention. Not too long ago, a truck driver made a left turn in front of a SF Muni streetcar, causing a collision. The trucker driver said that he never saw the streetcar. It was broad daylight! Not only did he not see the streetcar, it seems that he didn't see any of the flashing signals at each intersection to warn traffic of an oncoming streetcar. I guess the fact that I'm a rail fan and a trucker, I keep more of an eye out for trains, hoping to see one!
My wife's younger brother is a career trucker. A couple of years ago, he mounted a camera on his dash. Some of the stupid things he caught.... There seem to be far too many amongst us these days who think they are the world, and everything else must bend to their will. Really a sad condition.
I wonder if the private crossing has anything to do with the drivers mentality ... one thing for sure , it does now!