Many of you may feel stuck behind a school bus at a railroad crossing and feel delayed. Have you ever wondered why school buses have to stop at railroad crossings? The requirements were enforced across the country after the tragedy 83 years ago, which required strict security measures on all railways.
School Bus at a Railroad Crossing
On a harsh winter day in Sandy, Utah, December 1, 1938, school bus driver Slim Silcox was driving 39 students to Jordan High School. Too late Resulting in a serious bus crash in the middle. Even though the train’s engineer started to brake, The train continued on its route. It dragged the wrecked bus for half a mile before it could be stopped. And the results were heartbreaking. First responders and bystanders saw the scattered remains of the child. Their belongings and the bus tracks.
The lack of improved communication in 1938 meant that identifying victims was a painstaking process. It is run by volunteers who go door to door to check on children. Have you come back from school yet? In the accident, 24 children died instantly and three others died from their injuries shortly after. Bus driver Slim Silcox also died instantly.
This serious incident prompted the implementation of safety regulations. It requires bus drivers to stop at intersections, open doors and have windows to see and hear approaching trains. To ensure the safety of passengers even on clear days.
Although this rule can cause delays when you are behind a school bus at an intersection. But it’s important to remember serious accidents that trigger these precautions. The 1938 tragedy remains the deadliest school bus crash in U.S. history. It emphasizes the critical importance of these safety measures.
Enhance your skills with the best Drivers Training in London at Canadian Smart Drivers. Contact us at 519-697-8633 or mail us at info@canadiansmartdrivers.ca.