Re: level crossing near misses, was Re: problems at ringwood

[Michael <mk@netstra.com.au>]

Hi,

Standing 10m back won't affect the travel time to your destination by
much. The idea in this case would be to stand behind the level crossing.
As with what you mention below, it's almost the same in Melbourne.
Melbourne in some cases have resorted to putting traffic lights on the
level crossing itself. Still hasn't stopped idiots from ignoring the red
light AND the booms though (Yes, i've seen it happen too). 

Going a little bit off topic here, but has anyone noticed the increase in
cars that decide to ignore traffic signals of late? A very clever person
two weeks ago in my home town of Glenroy was standing at the red light at
the pedestrian crossing. As soon as all the pedestrians had got far
enough to allow him through, he took off. Ped lights still green, traffic
lights still red of course. 

Going more off topic, I have also noticed that the use of spotlights /
driving lights, in suburban areas, with incoming traffic has also
increased a lot over the years. Maybe the police place too much emphasis
on speeding, especially in locations where it is not a problem, or the
problem is that it is hard for a car to keep the speed limit. 

Makes me not want to buy a car or fix my current one now. In a couple of
years it will no doubt be russian roulette, or Stack Lotto (see how long
you can go without being part of an accident caused by severe stupidity).

At least there will be better reason then for people to catch public
transport :-) 

Regards
Michael

Neil Stalker said on 19-Oct-1999 in <7uggfc$q4i$1@news1.mpx.com.au>:

>The same things used to happen at a level crossing
>in the Brisbane suburb of Geebung. Because there
>was an intersection with traffic lights just 10m
>past the level crossing the cars had no choice but
>wait on the tracks
<snip>