ACCIDENTS
AT RAILAY LEVEL CROSSINGS.
The other
day there was a terribly shocking accident in Telegana , killing 25 school
children at an unmanned level crossing, as reported by the media. Such fatal accident caused due to the
carelessness of the driver is inexcusable. (In this case the driver was also
killed).
The right
of way is for the trains and the road users must obey the traffic rules while
crossing the railway track at level crossings.
The instructions are very clear.. The transport
vehicles while approaching the unmanned railway crossing must stop short of the
crossing and the conductor or helper must get down and pilot the vehicle after
ensuring that no train is in the vicinity. Till the vehicle is clear of the
track the person piloting the vehicle must continue to watch for the trains if
any approaching..
The recent
accident is reported by the media as “Train
hits the school bus”. It is not true.. “School bus hits the rain “is the correct way of reporting, which shows the factual situation
at the time of accident. Train do have regular time table and the local people
know about the running of trains in that section. Therefore the drivers must be
alert while approaching the unmanned level crossings and follow the procedure
mentioned above.. The Railways also to
ensure more safer methods such as manning the crossing or constructing ROB/RUBs
wherever required, to GUARD against the overenthusiastic and speedy driving
HABIT of the drivers of road vehicles
..
The
principal and school managers must counsel the drivers of the school buses very
often to follow safety driving habits while carrying children to school and
back..
Abraham
Mangalath