This is an unusual situation, with (apparently) a defective crossing signal. Under Federal Railroad Administration rules, if crossing signals are not working properly trains must stop and the crossing must be flagged before proceeding. As for the train whistling, whistles are required at most grade crossings in the U.S., with rare exceptions like Quiet Zones or restricted access areas.

I worked for Amtrak one summer in the late '80's as a car attendant. This in no way makes me a train expert. However, we did have training regarding our personal movement around rolling stock, even if it appears standing still because it can move at ANY time. Meanwhile, I have a CDL, and I've trucked in all 48 contiguous states and most of Canada. So I know something about the rules of the road. The truck driver was pulling a grain hopper, so wasn't, most likely, a professional trucker. Maybe a farmer, who has a CDL and only needs the truck for harvest. He HAD to have seen the train both when it was moving, and after it stopped since the road paralleled the track. The gates were UP and the train was STOPPED. As a driver, there isn't anything in the regs about Conductor's and red flags that I recall anyway. And she wasn't waving the flag at him either. I see railroad personal all the time exposed, on foot, near railroad crossings and NONE have ever attempted to stop me. I really didn't see her try here either. He assumed since the gates were up, train stopped, he could proceed. If it had been me? I probably wouldn't have gone. I would have tried to make eye contact, because I happen to know that train vs trucks... trucks ALWAYS lose. It would be interesting to hear if there really was a court hearing, how it was argued and played out. It could go either way, from what I saw here. I just think if I heard that train horn honking when I was crossing the tracks, I probably would have shit my pants and mashed down on the accelerator harder!! Lol

A few pertinent points and observations: 1) Weight x Speed = Force. Remember that when approaching RR tracks. Even a slow moving train packs enough force to obliterate your vehicle, and you along with it. 2) It is *always* the responsibility of the driver of a truck (any truck), car, motorcycle, whatever, to be cautious and vigilant when crossing RR tracks. Trains can't steer, or stop on a dime. You have more control than they do. 3) A flagman has the same authority/control over traffic flow as a traffic cop. If there's one in the middle of the road at a crossing, you do what they tell you to do. If you are unsure what they want, STOP. They will either make it clear, or you will wake up. Either way, stopping shy of the tracks is the safe bet. (see #1, above) 4) The truck was stopped at the intersection. The train was in his sight line as he approached. This *should* have made him extra vigilant and cautious. 5) This flagman was just shy of the middle of the road, flag in hand, when the truck driver began moving and making his turn. 6) The flagman was smack in front of him well before he started crossing the track. (2:23) With a train nearby, even stopped, the truck driver should have been looking harder, and seeing the flagman. Conclusion: This driver violated a major safety regulation. Penalties may vary from state to state, but first offense is commonly suspension of CDL for a few months, second offense more months. More important than that, he could get himself and/or someone else injured or killed. I grew up with 3 different railroads, running on 2 separate tracks within a block of the house I lived in. There were long distance freights, and passenger trains that moved at 60+ mph. There were also slow moving switch engines, moving back and forth across roads, dropping loaded cars off and picking up empties. I have seen the aftermath of collisions between trains and cars, trucks of all sizes, motorcycles, and even a railroad's own track repair equipment. RR crossings are no place to be asleep at the wheel, too proud/arrogant to follow directions, or to take a chance. Weight x Speed = Force

Let me clear a few things up for the commenters here. 1) I am a 10+ year employee of the railway. I once worked as both conductor and engineer on this same line and same service. 2) The lady conductor pictured is no longer in employ, for reasons having absolutely nothing to do with this video. 3) Anytime a train-vs-vehicle-or-person accident happens in the USA - whether at a designated crossing or not - the person/estate almost always sues, and almost always wins, regardless of the degree of stupidity that may or may not have been exhibited by the victim. For this reason, the railroads are necessarily paranoid about lawsuits, and the claims dept's force the rules dept's to write ever-more-restricting procedures, each time something happens. (USDOT/FRA also has "minimum" rules in place for public safety, but the RR co's almost always amend their safety procedures to be above and beyond FRA regs.) 4) Aforementioned catwalk of safety/liability ironically creates a situation where every little crossing defect, once reported, must immediately be reported to all trains in the area. The crossing might be working just fine as a matter of fact - maybe someone called it in because one light bulb looked orange-ish instead of red, or because some random motorist "felt like" the gates went sooner than they "normally do". I'm not saying that's the case in this video - I'm just saying that's the reality in general. The railroad has to treat every crossing call sort of like a terrorist threat - even if it's from John Q Random, and whether it's legitimate or not, it must be treated seriously, until a railroad signalman arrives on scene to verify the situation. 5) Off the cuff, from my past 10 years of operating, I would estimate the following percentages of validity of gate-malfunction reports. a: 35%, legit report, one gate missing/broken; b: 50%, no apparent malfunction at all, just some asshole called it in (I guess they're mad bro cause they got stuck for a train), c: 5%, total activation failure/total detection failure (gates always up or gates always down); d: 10%, crossing intentionally taken out of service for maintenance. 6) Let me reiterate bullet point #5. That phone number is on the shanty for a reason, but don't abuse it. Literally half the malfunction reports are bullshit. Don't be a bullshit reporter. If a train comes thru and no warning is given from the lights/gates, absolutely report it. If there's a surprise derailment or fire or dangerous condition near the crossing, then yes report it. If a stopped train blocks a crossing LONGER THAN 10 MINUTES - YES, IN GENERAL, THEY ARE ALLOWED AT LEAST THAT LONG - then yes report it. If it took an extra minute or two after the train passed before the gates came up, and no other trains seem to be visible, then sorry buddy that sucks, but guess you shoulda' left a little earlier. 7) The crossing malfunction pictured in the video was a minor one, and really should have been an "item 2" in RR parlance. On the CP, that would mean to proceed not exceeding 15mph, without stopping, and to blow the whistle regardless of any quiet zone. This procedure varies slightly among the different RR co's, but the gist is the same. 8) The train in the video was issued an "item 1", meaning stop and protect crossing, no matter what. That is what ultimately led to the ridiculous and unsafe situation you saw. This wasn't the fault of the dispatcher or really of any railway employee. Again we go back to the overbearing liability/safety-first stuff. The dispatcher merely instructed the train to take the safest course based on the limited information (s)he had at the time. The initial report came from some civvie who didn't really know what they were talking about, and a signalman hadn't had a chance to get there yet. 9) Flagging crossings, as a passenger train, sucks. The engineer/driver is normally all alone on the locomotive, because the conductor is back in the passenger section to handle people/tickets/paperwork/etc. If a freight train stops to flag a crossing, the conductor is able to dismount the engine in an instant, and be on the ground before the gates have a chance to go back up. Not the case with passenger, where the conductor has to get off from the first passenger car and walk up several hundred feet - which is usually just time enough for the gate circuit to time-out and for the crossing barriers to be re-raised. For obvious reasons, motorists tend to get confounded when they see gates come down, then back up again, with no train passing in the time between. That's totally fine, and that confusion is the reason why these safety procedures are a bit shit. 10) This is the main reason why I absolutely loathe bullshit crossing reports. The train has to do the most safety-conscious thing as instructed (in this case, stop and flag, even though not really necessary), again, because of the liability-anxiety complex. Most motorists are quite loath to stop at crossings at all, and I've nearly been run over plenty of times, even when I wore a safety vest (not typically required, btw) and held the red flag out at a horizontal angle to the street. I've often had the feeling whilst standing out there: "so public safety is important, but not mine?" I got over that after some years. It would honestly be safer for both the flagman and motorist(s) if the crossing was completely non-functional. It would at least make a little sense to drivers that way. But again, "safety safety safety" 11) In conclusion, a fucked-up, confusing situation prevails for all involved, basically because of a long history of irresponsible people and lawyers. But, if you're at a RR crossing and you're seeing some weird shit go down and you're not sure: better advice is probably still to just stay put - at least until you can reasonably figure it out.

For whatever the reason, #8 had to flag the crossing. They did. The semi was required to stop for the stop sign, which he barely did. His was not on a designated truck route. DOT regulations require the truck driver to look for trains at any railroad crossing, regardless of crossing protection. Clearly, there was a train. With one person in the cab of #8, the engineer relies on the flagperson to make his move. He cannot see the truck until its right in front of him. Bottom line - the train and crew did exactly what the law requires. The truck driver was off route, rolled through the stop sign, then disregarded the flagperson and ran the crossing. The guy is done, and the video is probably what did or will convict him. I was a freight engineer on this route, and now a local cartage driver very familiar with Winona.

I enjoy watching trains, and sometimes even riding on them. This is an excellent video capture of a very curious event. Thank you for sharing it.

agreed... use the flag for the road traffic... hold it straight up... hold it straight out to the side... do SOMETHING with it other than against your pant leg. the engineer wouldn't be confused, they're trained to understand a whole set of visual signals, including arm/hand signals, and the conductors are supposed to know them as well. hold the flag out to the side for the traffic, then signal with your other arm to the train to proceed. the engineer knows better, act like it.

I was wondering why there was a flag person as the gates seemed to be working but maybe they were erratic. The train could have inched up slowly and crossed the tracks. That is a beautiful Amtrak train! Wish I had been on it. Nice tracks too. Thanks for the vid! Good vid!

She was poorly positioned for flagging that crossing. She gave no indication to the truck driver that he was to stop.

I have to defend the truck driver. This isn't a situation that most anyone comes across. He comes to a complete stop, sees the train stopped and the barriers up. He sees a woman crossing the street, but he has no idea she is a conductor, so he is timing his crossing to allow her to cross when she stops in the crossing. By that time, he is already in the intersection, so what's he to do? If the railroad wants to stop traffic at a crossing that may be malfunctioning, give the conductor a hand held STOP sign like they use with school crossing guards and be sure you are displaying it prominently as you make your way into the crossing. This conductor didn't do that, so I blame her.

Nice catch especially with the open end observation dome car. That would be so cool renting an observation dome car to travel across America for as long as you need it.

I have traveled on The Empire builder. Very nice train and crews. No complaints. I love traveling Amtrak. It suits my needs as a handicapped person and my desire to see the country. Thanks for posting.

What a beautiful train! Love the video!

Just watched this again. The flag person never used the flag to try and stop the truck. They gave no signal to the truck what so ever. The flag was used to signal the train which leads me to believe that the flag person did not know what the flag was to be used for. So you have the train stopped, the gates up and a flag person not signaling with the flag to stop. Looks like a "go" to me.

love the trains...took a train trip from Bakersfield, CA to Tacoma,WA several years back....loved it.

That's a DOT regulation... as a truck driver, once I start my motion over the tracks, I am not allowed to stop, I am not even allowed to change gears, so long as any part of my truck is fouling the crossing. If I did so, I would be charged. The reasoning behind it is, that a train crossing is so dangerous to a truck, that taking the chance of missing a gear, shifting on the crossing, stalling out, and getting stuck on the tracks (since we can't exactly get out and push) ...

There may have been a Stop & Warn in effect for that crossing due to some defect in the crossings gates/lights.

My friend from school was struck by a train about 2 months ago. He was biking with his friends. The tracks where too sets of tracks meaning 2 trains could come at the same time. In this case it was 2 trains. He saw one train thinking it was safe to cross. He didn’t see the other train right behind it and was hit. This happened in Wauwatosa Wisconsin. He was in the hospital for about 2 to 3 weeks. He had lots of broken bones.

WOW! Really ? glad the she is safe, GREAT footage and I just Subscribed 😎👍

Don't know much about American railways(roads) but the whole thing looked bloody amateurish to me. She kept her flag down, which appeared she wasn't ready to stop the traffic, instead of raising it and making her instructions clear. And someone has posted that the trucker should have waited till she flagged him clear. How do you flag someone clear with a red flag?

Well, i'd have been screwed, I've never seen that before and since they weren't waving the flag I probably would have gone too.

If the train is not moving or no train present, there is no law against going around a crossing arm. The "conductors" flagging was unclear.

That’s definitely a beautiful K5LA Horn on 121! Back when most P42’s on Amtrak had Narrow font K5LA’s and they were all healthy Not to mention the Fresh Phase Vb paint as well!

how can you say the truck came flying around the corner , when he is at a complete stop at 2:17?

Nice vid, very rare to see this. Looks like we have found another reason why Amtrak is becoming late.

To those crying about the truck crossing the tracks, the truck was in the motion of proceeding across the tracks before the flagger got there and she made no effort to stop the truck from crossing before he had already crossed the tracks.

Absolutely. A flagger, isn't a flagger, until they're waving their damned flag. All she was at that point was a person wearing clothes and holding a red scarf. She doesn't just get to walk out and expect everyone to immediately stop. She has to first, ascertain if the traffic is clear (it wasn't), and if it was, THEN walk out and flag the train through. Just like trains, trucks don't stop on a dime, and we have our own regulations we have to follow. She was sloppy.

Qué hermosa !!!!!!!! Yo tuve la dicha de viajar en un tren igual en el Estado de California muchas gracias

Yes, the gate that I am standing by is the one that had just been hit causing the track bulletin and Amtrak to be flagged. And yeah, they usually accelerate pretty fast. After seeing all these private cars go by, I want to go on one!

Well, I haven't really railfanned the Twin Cities much. I have gone by a few of the yards... Pig's Eye Yard is a popular spot.

Yes, CP knew to put a flag bulletin for the crossing since it had just happened. The local was working right near this crossing when a different semi hit the gate and messed it up. Amtrak was the very next train through...within minutes. Sorry, but I don't think any railroad can get something fixed like that within minutes of it happening. Also, why does sex have to be a factor in this? I'm sorry, but I believe her. Thanks for commenting. Have a nice day.

She just stood there as the truck approached, then moved out of his way. If she wanted him to stop, she should've indicated that, clearly, which she did not. I see nothing wrong here. People commenting otherwise are just train buffs in their own world.

the flag person gave the semi driver no direction..was just standing there. gates up,Train stopped.

nice video and great catch of the Amtrak train in your video.

Epic video....I like IT!!!! Big like for your rail work

Good thing the semi-driver didn't have a decent lawyer if that prosecution was successful. The signals and arms were working fine, they weren't activated, and the flagger was giving no clear direction. If Amtrak pursued that prosecution, all of the costs of the court and the taxpayers to accommodate them (prosecutor's office, etc.) following the acquittal should be billed back to Amtrak (maybe with an order to improve training / procedures).

The truck came "flying around the corner?" Please. Just making a normal turn next to an idiot holding a flag who made no move whatsoever to stop traffic.

Actually, it was NOT an exercise. I just happened to hear that there was a gate problem at this crossing and decided to check it out. It was all very real. These are the kind of things that happen all the time. Thankfully no one got hurt and hopefully people can learn from something like this.

As an ex Volunteer Firefighter, we were Taught, if directing traffic at an intersection or a railroad crossing, we were to hold a flag UNROLLED and Unfolded AWAY from our body, so everyone else would KNOW you were signaling traffic to STOP, and then, when traffic was stopped, to signal the train or other traffic to cross. Holding the flag pointing down, or next to the body, was just cautionary. And that was the same with L.I.R.R. workers, and School Bus directors. Possibly, the Conductor was not well taught, or should have annual training reviews.

I saw crossings flagged when I was going to Chi a couple of years ago. They were doing track work and gates were not operating, so asst conductor got out and walked from crossing to crossing with a flag to stop traffic for train to pass. First time I had ever seen it and I rode a lot of trains starting as a kid with parents on Dad's RR pass.

I can see how the truck driver might have been confused. The train is stopped, the gates are intact but up, and it's not at all clear what the conductor wants with her flags down.

@motos The train crew was probably told their was an activation failure for this crossing. Even though it appeared to be working when they approached the crossing, they're still required to stop and flag it. I am a conductor as well and I really think she did a very poor job of flagging this crossing. The trucker was probably watching traffic on his left side to make the right turn and did not see her until he had already pulled under the gates. I would not have reported his tag.

Well nice catch with the private car on the end.

I'd have to agree with you. I've directed enough traffic as a vol. firefighter over twenty+ years to know you don't hide behind that flag. You use it to communicate. And she wasn't communicating anything with the flag at her knees. By the time she raised the flag and the stopped train started blowing its horn, the truck was under where the gate would be when it came down. I'm not saying the trucker wasn't confused or partially at fault also, but to call him "stupid" isn't fair either.

Technically the lorry was legally allowed to cross as the gates were up.

Yes. A semi had gone through previous to this and bent the gate.

is an intolerable situation. From what I saw on the side, the truck driver started his motion, while the train was stopped, the gates were up, and the flagger was not yet on the street. He was committed to his action, and continued through, tho since she tried to block him for a second before wisely letting him pass, I do believe he may have had to downshift or hit the clutch, violating DOT regs, so he didn't run her over. He wasn't at fault for this.

0:06 was that a pretty distant gunshot? BTW great video and nice catch

Did I miss something? Where was the "stupid semi"?

Maybe they don't operate according to GCOR (General Code of Operating) where this video was taken but I feel this video should be titled "How to incorrectly perform a crossing protection when required to flag through a grade crossing." I operate for a commuter rail line. When there is a crossing protection and it requires personnel to flag a train through this could have been done better. First, Why did you stop about a car length away?? Get your locomotive up there close (Not actually on the crossing of course). People are going to assume that the train isn't going to begin proceeding anytime soon. At least where I operate the crossing gates (If working properly) Won't time out or won't time out as fast if the locomotive is right there. You don't want the gates to go up if you can help it. If the person that is going to flag the train through is getting off the train this distance will add more time and confusion. Second, the conductor doesn't have any kind of high visibility vest on. Yes she has a red flag but she just kind walks out there no hand signals or anything. She just kind of stands there like, "Oh you're gonna go now? Really??" Have some authority when you walk out into that road. Make sure these people know you want them to stop. Maybe the truck driver didn't see the conductor at first. There are no horns or bells when the truck starts across the tracks, and she isn't making any hand/signal indications that she wants the traffic to stop. What do people expect the truck to do? Stop partially in the crossing? Back up? Truck driver probably thought the conductor would continue across the road. When the train does finally begin to move what horn sequence is that?? It's not a sequence 7. Like I said maybe they have a different set of rules and codes they follow where the video takes place but still I feel the truck driver isn't the only stupid one in the video. Anyone interested after being bored to death by me and want to find more information the GCOR Seventh Edition, Section 6-16, 6.32 Road Crossings. Section 5-8, 5.8 Bell and Whistle Signals. If I was the truck driver I would have pressed for prosecution against Amtrak and their poor handling of the crossing protection and their violations to the code and rules.

FYI A crossing at grade is an easement across private property (which is the railroad). When the conductor or any other railroad employee occupies the crossing it is the same as a train.

I'm not from the US, but even then it is obvious that the truck driver was not at fault. The conductor could've waved the flag at him and made him stop but she just stood there watching until he passed by, then noted his number down and got him prosecuted. Nice video though. Love those P42DCs

169.26 SPECIAL STOPS AT RAILROAD CROSSING. Subdivision 1.Requirements. (a) Except as provided in section 169.28, subdivision 1, when any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing under any of the circumstances stated in this paragraph, the driver shall stop the vehicle not less than ten feet from the nearest railroad track and shall not proceed until safe to do so and until the roadway is clear of traffic so that the vehicle can proceed without stopping until the rear of the vehicle is at least ten feet past the farthest railroad track. These requirements apply when: (1) a clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device warns of the immediate approach of a railroad train; or (2) an approaching railroad train is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity. (b) The fact that a moving train approaching a railroad grade crossing is visible from the crossing is prima facie evidence that it is not safe to proceed. (c) The driver of a vehicle shall stop and remain stopped and not traverse the grade crossing when a human flagger signals the approach or passage of a train or when a crossing gate is lowered warning of the immediate approach or passage of a railroad train. No person may drive a vehicle past a flagger at a railroad crossing until the flagger signals that the way is clear to proceed or drive a vehicle past a lowered crossing gate.

The flag person never put the flag out to stop the semi, saw no problem here.

With all the grade crossing accidents caused by truckers it's good to know this one was prosecuted before he caused one.Nice private car on the rear.

These hand signals were developed in a day before 2-way radios and remain in current use because there are times when the radio channel is too busy to convey instructions safely, when radios break, and there are times when you don't want everyone for 5 miles knowing that you are stopping for coffee. The hand signals allow communication over distance and in most inclement weather and save a LOT of walking back and forth.

2:15 -- Flagger enters crossing. All vehicles must stop. No signal required. The flagger does not direct vehicle traffic. Put another way, the flagger is a human red light until she has gone. She will not signal vehicles to do anything.

Hopefully the truck driver got off. I've never seen anything like this before. The gates are up, the train is stopped, the dude sees other cars going so he figures he's supposed to do the same. So he approaches because he figures he's supposed to go, and then instead of stopping him the fucking train lady keeps her flag down and steps out of his way! She's the one who compromised everybody's safety by giving conflicting instructions.

was that a long distance train?loved the coach at the back with the people sitting outside.

I've been a engineer 40 years the reason they stopped was because they had a crossing warning notification from the dispatcher,,to stop and protect.

that lady didn't look happy when that trucker kept going.... but why did they flag the train when the signals worked fine.

That thumbing of the diesel engine is so soothing to my years...

Brilliant.. LOVE American Locomotives, Huge and Graceful... Stay Blessed Loco Pilots.. 🙏

Interesting. Thx for the story on this. I couldn't see that the semi did a thing wrong, until reading on. Still, the gates weren't down, so - - ??? how was he to know? I see this is a 15 yr old video: look at all those cars on the Builder! nothing close to that now in '24. And it's always cool to see a special - big coin to hook up to Amtrak, for a pull! I'd enjoy that, immensely.

There was a time when railroaders were expected to get on the train while it was still moving at a speed just above a fast walk. Part of the training and job description.

Why did the train stop and the conductor get out with his flag when the gates were already closed for the train to go over the crossing!!!

The Indian Railways operate this type of highly advanced coaches and Engin to reach the destination in time. CONGRATULATION TO THE ENGIN AND COACH MANUFACTURING COMPANY 🙏🙏⚘👌👍

That flagger appeared as though she was crossing the street when the truck started his turn. Then she stopped in the middle of the road and proceeded to give the truck nothing more than a stare. She didn't wave her red flag at all. The truck also couldn't legally stop once he has commenced his maneuver. I say he shouldn't have been prosecuted. Why was a gate bent at a slightly irregular angle such a problem anyway. Gates are down, people should still get the idea.

Was that a private car at the end of this train?

I think the engineer was honking at his flagger annoyed at how incompetent she was.

hey what camera did you use to record this? i really need it thanks

I worked for the railroad, as a brakeman and conductor, for 11 years and never heard of this reflective vest you are talking about. I certainly flagged my share of crossings and also worked as pilot in a number of situations (mostly on behalf of construction crews working on overpasses). Never saw one of those vests. That lady on the crossing was not the conductor. Nor, considering what a lousy job she did flagging, is it likely she was even a trainman.

Which brings me back to why was this crossing being flagged at all when the perfectly functional gates did the job

Great video. I never knew they did this for crossings when they're broken.

For what i can see she does not give the truck a signal to stop. She is not flagging only standing there with the flag down.

What was that Observation Car at the end of the consist? “Sierra Hotel”… remnant of AT&SF?

I didn't see s stupid semi driver. I saw a person standing there with a red flag doing absolutely nothing. I guess the truckers ESP was off that day.

better training might be offered to Amtrak employees in how to display a stop signal for traffic.. when the truck went across, she didn't seem to be indicating that the driver should stop.

I like how the engineer blew the horn at the truck who did not have permission to cross

That's just how some of the crossings are here. Some only ring when the gates are going up or down. A few of them stay ringing the whole time.

Having worked for Amtrak; you DO NOT USE A RED FLAG to flag a train through a crossinf!l

Thanks for the explanation, but I think it's unreasonable to expect every road user to know the arcane rules in play when there's a defective crossing that's "flagged." Most reasonable people approaching the intersection will see the gates open, bells and lights not ringing or flashing, and an employee with a red flag standing there with the flag down by their side, and assume that it's therefore safe and legal to cross.

That's an old one. I saw the Sierra Hotel parked in the shop area of the Royal Gorge RR in September of 2023.

I'm familiar with the Winona station and go to the town frequently, where is this crossing? Is this done for the freight trains also?

When you get to a railroad crossing and there's a human being standing in the middle of the roadway that's your first clue that something unusual is going on and maybe you should fucking stop until you are signaled to proceed.

Wow... I just don't understand people with not a lick of common sense, it's like they can't be bothered to think, cause it takes too much energy to process a conductor in the intersection of a railroad crossing with a red flag in hand and a train barely a 100 feet away, stopped on the tracks. I guess someone needs to take some time off to go back to truck driving school.

QUE HERMOSO TREN, SALUDOS DESDE MÈXICO.

At least the conductor had enough sense to get out of the way of the truck. Whether he had the right way or not, she wasnt about to stop a 40,000 lb. truck with her body. Good for her.

I agree with most of the others, the truck driver did nothing wrong. The signals were not flashing and the gates were not down and the conductor was not signalling anyone to stop. She was holding a red flag but not displaying it. I probably would have driven through the crossing too. There is a crossing without lights or arms not far from where I live, the conductor always holds the flag straight out and signals traffic. One would assume the train is not ready to move if the flag is not held out. The trucker could have used this video in defense. The conductor no doubt lied about displaying the flag and the truck driver had no evidence to contradict it.

She should of raised the flag up over her or had a stop sign on her when she stepped on the road, that would of stop traffic. She/they don't know -.-

Muy bonito tren, hermoso transporte en E.U.A. Ya pronto tendremos uno acá en México,el TREN MAYA Y posteriormente CIUDAD DE MÉXICO A TIJUANA también será una maravilla que ofrecer a todo extranjero que venga a vacacionar y serán tratados con mucho respeto y la garantía de que disfrutarán al máximo su estancia en este país.

At 4:26 it appears as though you went in and pixelated some things. Is this the case or am I imagining things? Just out of curiosity..

Anyone know why they flagged this train across? Seems like the signals work fine.

Did I miss something, where is that stupid semi ?

Are half-barrier crossings still common in the US? I know in the UK, they're trying to phase out crossings on all but light branch lines, but even recently AHBC (automatic half-barrier crossings) are generally being replaced by full-barrier (remotely monitored) crossings with obstacle detection after there were a few fatal collisions a while back (Google Ufton Nervet rail crash). I understand that the flagging is required because of the bent barrier, but even so, this seems painfully slow!

as a European it boggles my mind how slow american trains are

Why did the train stop in the first place? Everything seemed to be in order to me.

How is it that you can possibly call the truck driver stupid? The women with the flag clearly was not waving the flag to indicate she wanted the driver to stop. She just held it in her hands. The gates went up after the train stopped. And the gates went down again when the train started to move. By that time the truck had cleared the crossing with plenty of room to spare. I retired from long haul trucking five years ago after 35 years on the road. It sounds to me that you just hate truckn drivers. To bad so sad for you. WAH WAH WAH!!

Holding the flag dropped down by your side indicates "proceed with caution" holding a flag out in front of you chest height with the handle horizontal to the crossing and parallel to the rail while pulling the bottom edge taught indicates "full stop".

@TheTallMan35 that last car was an old Colorado Railcar Vistadome car.....and yes...cabooses have been replaced by end-of-train devices.