Rules of the Road

What's the most important rule of the road when it comes to railroad crossings?

You don't put your car on the tracks when the signal lights go on, the warning bell sounds and the arm comes down. We've had a spate of train versus car accidents in Chicago, lately, one of which is most certainly a suicide success. Just watch the video.

We also had another idiot deliberately step in front of an el train within the past week or so. I can't find the link, but yes, it happened.

If a car stands no chance against a train, then certainly the human body does not. As far as I'm concerned, if you really, really want to commit the ultimate self-hating act, do it like this guy -- off by yourself where the only one responsible is you, and there are no witnesses.

In train vs. human or train vs. car wrecks, many, many people are psychologically and emotionally scarred for years after. How supremely selfish to sweep complete strangers into your own screwed up mess. How'd you like to be those two little boys who'll grow up with the video evidence that their mother offed herself and, tried to kill them, too. Roeper's right. This is an incredibly senseless act.

Remember -- keep your vehicle off the track when the signals go off. Keep your body off the tracks, as well.