Are all train horns created equal? - Trains Magazine

Hi! I am new to the train.com website. I don't kow a lot about trains, but I have a story to tell from first hand experience.

I was hit by a Burlington-Northorn Freight Train in 1986. The Crossing had no Armguards or lights at that time. There was a white/black railroad crossing "X" and a yellow round warning sign.

I am not the type of driver that tries to race across a crossing with an oncoming train in view. I don't rmember what happened. To this day I still can't remember the actual happening.

i was 46 yrs. of aga at the time. I was alone in the car, on my way to work that morning. My daughter who was about 13 yrs.of age had just finished the school year and was at home. We lived about 3 or 4 miles from the Railroad where the accident happened.

I sustained some injuries. Minor injuries in a sense that I was not crippled or anything as drastic as that, but I had broken my left clavical and 6 months later the Dr. took a bone from my hip and placed it in my shoulder with a 2" metal plate to fuse together that area. Of course I have permanent back problems from the accident and almost broke my left leg..but I am blessed. It could have turned out much worse.

I waited for 3 months before I decided to sue Burlington-Northern Railroad Company. We settled out of court..I didn't really make much for the pain I endure every day.

My Lawyer found that the Conductor did not blow his horn upon approaching the crossing, also the Conductor was speeding.

I was out of work for 10 months and when I returned to work, I had to carry a pillow,heating pad, ice pack for the last 4 years that I worked. before I was laid off my job in October,1990. Due to other medical problems not directly related to this accident, I have been on Social Security Disability.

I can not stand or stand very long with out support to my back and that is directly from my accident. I am mobile..but in a lot of pain.

Well.. I have some friends that like trains and I have heard that Salley Jesse Rafael is an avid train collector. She has a huge collection.

Take care. Sorry I was long winded, but I just wanted to tell my story.

~GBU~

Thank you

boppy1