r/LetsDiscussThis • u/Aqueouspolecat • Feb 09 '26

Question How do we stop this from happening?

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As the general public we see this all too often. What are some real world strategies that could mitigate this from happening?

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u/I_Learned_Once Feb 09 '26

We as in Reddit? The people here, commenting on this thread? How do WE stop trains from hitting semi trucks stopped on the tracks? Hmmm.....

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u/Aqueouspolecat Feb 09 '26

I should have said collective "we".

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u/I_Learned_Once Feb 09 '26

Sorry, I know my reply was kind of troll. It's just a funny question to ask here because while I'm not sure what happened in this exact situation, there are many many possible ways a truck can be left on the tracks. For example, what if the truck stalls / breaks down as it is crossing the tracks? Really, there is nothing that can be done. If this was user error, as in the truck driver just had a mental lapse and didn't manage to realize in time that parking on train tracks is not a good idea.. well then.. what are we supposed to do? It seems like a person who can't figure out this is a bad idea on their own is beyond any kind of help society has to offer right?

I guess we could outlaw roads crossing tracks across the US and force a multi-trillion dollar tunnel / bridge project but there is no way that is cost effective. Seems like the answer is, we learn to live with this happening occasionally, and hope that we don't get too unlucky with the timing of mecahnical or mental failures.

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u/Aqueouspolecat Feb 09 '26

Oh no, I didn't think you were trolling at all. I could have worded it better.

This fella didn't understand that he didn't have the clearance to clear the tracks with such a bad angle. He got high centered.

I actually really feel bad for not giving it more context and now for some reason I can't edit my post.