21 July 2008

Old Jefferson: Passenger vehicle vs. train... again.

NOLA.com - Amtrak train hits pick-up truck in Old Jefferson

(Actually, the passenger vehicle was a van... but who cares?)

I'm sure you can guess the train that was involved... well, if you're certain, then tell me. Vegas odds have it being the "City of New Orleans" Amtrak line from Chicago, though - the same route involved with many lethal train vs. car tangles in Tangipahoa Parish over the last few years.

This time, though, you can't blame the train. Can't blame the railroad, can't even blame DOTD. The van driver decided to show just how smart he was and try to bypass a lowered railroad gate. Instead of passing the train, the train clipped him and sent the vehicle rolling for 50 feet. The van eventually settled on its roof near a gas marker.

Real intelligent, smart guy. Instead of waiting for the train, he caused an even bigger tie-up on LA 48. I hope he heard the rubberneckers cursing and laughing at him all the while. I also hope he loses his license for this act of stupidity... but you know how things are. He'll probably sue Amtrak and win instead.

4 comments:

Georgia Road Geek said...

Too bad Bill Engvall wasn't there to give the guy his "I'M STUPID!" sign. :)

Thanks for calling into my show last Saturday.

Anonymous said...

Methinks the gene pool needs a little chlorine ;)

Taralyn said...

"Too bad Bill Engvall wasn't there to give the guy his "I'M STUPID!" sign. :)"

He'd run out with all the idiot drivers in the area...

"Thanks for calling into my show last Saturday."

No problem there... I was shaking the whole time (I'm a bit phobic when it comes to telephones), but at least it went OK.

"Methinks the gene pool needs a little chlorine ;)"

There ain't enough of that in the world either.

Froggie said...

Louisiana seems to be trying to take the title of train-car collsion capital away from Mississippi...