Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1917-08-10
WARNING ISSUED TO
AUTOMOBILE DRIVERS

T. w. Rickard, trainmaster of
Third district and branches Idaho
division, Oregon Short Line Railroad
company, a member of the safety
first committee, after thoroughly in
vestigating various accidents which
have taken place at highway cross
ings from time to time, with a view
of impressing on all concerned, en-.
pecially drivers of automobiles and
other vehicles, the immediate danger
that turks in taking a chance, stress
es the vast Importance of the stop.
look and listen" warnings before at
tempting to cross the tracks, par
ticularly at highway crossings. He
further urges that Investigations, at
which representative of the public
Is usually present, bring out the
fact that 80 per cent of the accidents
are due to the indifference of driy-
ers who cross the railroad tracks
without needing the danger signals.
Let 1t not be overlooked that the
number of highway crossing acct
dents have increased recently, due
to the careless driving of automo-
biles while on the railroad property.
and especially on highways crossing
railroad tracks, and no one recog-
nizes the railroad situation more
keenly than the average railroad
manager, but he knows that it is i'm
possible for him to prevent such ac-
ctdents without the cooperation of
the public in general
The engineer pulling the train is
the direct representative Of the rail
road in approaching highway cross
ings, and the chauffeur driving the
automobile up to the highway cross
ings is the direct representative OF
the public. Now will these two
holders Of such responsible positions
join hands for safety first and PRO
mote 1t to their utmost? Railroad
officials may plan and map out all
the safety ideas in the world, but
the issue Is really up to the engi-
neer and the driver of the automo-
bile to eliminate accidents ON high
way crossings. All an engineer can
do on approaching highway crossings
Is to keep a close watch, ring the
bell and blow the whistle in accord
ance with the rules set up by the
railroad company. In order to main
tain proper train schedule the engi-
neer must assume that the automo-
bile driver will either stop or else
make the railroad crossing in plenty
OF time to avoid any hazard of ac-
cident.
At this time all over the country
railroads are being asked to abolish
grade crossings or to establish warn
ing signals and many other devices.
to protect the public. Such drastic
action Is prompted by the many
recent accidents to automobiles at
grade crossings, and the petition for
its immediate enforcement seems |
warranted on the part OF the rail-
roads to protect autoists and the pub
lie. Should not the drivers also be |
compelled to protect their own lives |
and those entrusted to their care? |
Statistics show that the majority of /
the accidents are due to the careless
ness and thoughtlessness on the part !
Of the automobile driver. Should /
not the automobile drivers take the
same precaution as street cars in
crossing railroad tracks, stop, look
and iisten?"
How long will the public stand for
he chances taken by automobile
irivers when their lives are at stake.
Less than one minutes time would
% lost in stopping at railroad cross
ngs to see that the way is safe be-
ore crossing the track. Owners of
automobiles are, as rule, among
'ur best and most highly respected
itizens, and they will not hesitate
o second any movement to protect
he lives and limbs of themselves and
nd their friends.
Few people can picture themselves |
wing dead or injured in consequence
( careless driving; hence they con-
inue lodging death by hairs
readth. AS a result, the day is
ound to come when death suddenly ,
uts an end to the desperate chances
aken-why take the chance. Few
eople seem to be on the alert to pre- l
erve their own lives. It's the same ,
Id story. They walk the tracks and
ross them in sort of trance, appar-
ntly expecting the engineer to stoD
le train. The result is generally {
cath. The only solution is, Watch | d
ut for yourself" and in doing SO =
on will save others. How frequent
: have you noticed that the line of I
ast resistance leads people to ser Z
JUS accidents. So don't take the I
lance. IT'S a good warning this: a
Avoid depending on a man who does
ot stop. look and listen before cross
g . railroad track with an auto 8