Train Not Coming? Call it In.

Admittedly, from time to time I engage in a bit of illegal activity. I know you're probably thinking, "You big dummy! Why would you put that in writing?" Well, because my illegal activity is driving-related, which means I have to be caught in the act to face any kind of penalty.

Now, let me preface this by saying I am generally a very cautious driver. I ALWAYS use my turn signals, check my mirrors and turn to check my blind spots, and monitor the drivers around me. But every now and then, I get a little impatient. This causes me to speed a little, especially if I'm trying to move beyond another person who appears to be driving while distracted. AND once or twice, I've gone around lowered railroad crossing gates. I'm usually tickled by the people on the other side who are looking at US (I'm never the first one to go around) like, "I know they didn't!"  I give them a smile that says, "Don't be mad because we did it first and now you can't." (Yes, I'm petty.)

It is very frustrating to sit at lowered gates for 2-3 minutes, just waiting for a train that may or may not come. It would be different if you could hear the train or even feel the ground rumble the slightest bit, but when there is no sign of a train, and you've been sitting for a while, it's only natural to want to move. Be it known that I would NEVER make such a move with my child in the car or while driving a company vehicle. But left to my own devices, I become a bit less patient.

However, I'd begun to reevaluate this whole position after hearing a public service announcement about "beating the train." Then came the story of the Birmingham City Schools bus going around a lowered gate at the Shannon Oxmoor Road crossing. Part of me felt empathy for the driver because I know the feeling, especially since it is said that this particular crossing has closed for periods of time without a train. But another part of me said, "You big dummy! In a school bus?"

I still contend that if you're sitting, waiting for a particularly long train to pass, something about putting the car in park hurries the train along. If you just have your foot on the brakes, the train will keep going and going. As soon as you put it into Park, here comes the end of the train. However, ABC 33/40 reports that Nancy Hudson with Operation Lifesaver offers information regarding faulty railroad crossings. Should you find yourself sitting at a crossing with no hint of a train coming, look for a blue and white sign that offers a toll free number and ID for the crossing, and railroad officials will respond.