Small change can avert many train accidents

The statistical evidence clearly denotes that out of the total 870 deaths that occurred from 2001 to 2013 near railway level crossings, almost every accident was caused near an unmanned level-crossing. As viewed by the expert engineers of the field, all these accidents could have been averted with mere common sense and a sense of responsibility while laying the roads through the railway tracks.

In general, everywhere we find the roads approaching the level-crossing are laid parallel to the railway track. Also, speed breakers are structured at a distance of 10mts from each other, just near to the railway crossings. Even these speed breakers are constructed parallel to the approach road in most of the cases. This 10 feet distance makes the rear and front tyres of the vehicles to climb the humps at once, thereby forcing the driver to change the gear and reduce the speed. But, it is always suggested that while passing through a level-crossing the driver is not supposed to change the gear (considering the fact that gearbox damage or any obstruction in the gear system may lead to untoward accidents). A campaign to this effect has been made by the Eicher Company in the past as part of prevention of road accidents in the form of mini movie.

The practice in vogue of the R &B department of laying down the humps before the approach of level crossings is entirely contradictory to the warnings given by the experts in the same domain. All these things would collectively lead to accidents near the level crossings.

As opined by the experts, establishing the humps in a crossed but parallel manner could avert most of the accidents. It is a simple matter to be implemented, if determined to undertake. Nevertheless, the same may turn into a big issue once not attended to.

The value of time is realized only during the times of calamities. Why don’t the authorities bother to consider the opinions of the experts once they are the most valued inputs?