Why do people get "stuck" on train tracks when the train is coming?

Question

Why do they not get "stuck:" when there is no train coming? Is there a machanism that pops up when the train comes making it difficult to travel over the track?

Is it just because they are stupid? HAHAA

Answer 1

they are just stupid

maybe they are in too much of a panic to do anything

and if you have a standard shift an panic you tend to pop the clutch and the car dies out

and with newer cars you have to push the clutch back in before you can re-start

Answer 2

Coz they're stopping on railroad tracks! Obviously.  

Don't stop on railroad tracks, and that won't happen.

A few weeks ago, a woman in Palo Alto stopped for a traffic light, oblivious to the fact that she was stopped on train tracks.  She was even more oblivious when the train approached, flashers went on, traffic light turned green and everyone ahead of her pulled off the crossing.  She musta been real into her music, or cell phone convo, or whatever...

... and if she hadn't stopped on the tracks in the FIRST PLACE, it wouldn'ta been a problem.

That's the law, you know.  Stop well short of the RR tracks, then don't go until there's plenty of room on the other side, then stay in 1 gear while you're crossing, don't shift.

Answer 3

You are a stupid hooker! hahahahaha

(don't thumbs down me --this is my best friend I actaully asked her the question and she said she was going to yahoo answers it) In tampa where we live 2 people got stuck on train tracks 2 days in a row

Answer 4

It is really simple.  Kind of like making sure there is water in the pool before leaving the high dive.

Don't pull on to the tracks unless you KNOW you can get off on the other side.  People usually get nailed because a vehicle in front of them can't move anywhere due to the vehicle in front of them.

The worst mistake is made when people decide to stay with the trapped vehicle.  It may be your pride and joy, but it's only a car.  YOU are someone else's pride and joy, so protect yourself.

Answer 5

has to be stupidity I would guess....

I seen this last month where a guys car stalled on the tracks and there was vehicles backed up both directions.

I was the savior - I got out of line of traffic crossed the yellow line got my bumper on his rear bumper and floored it - wow I never thought I could push a car in park off the tracks in a S10

Answer 6

uh?

Answer 7

Darwin explains it all in the origin of species

Answer 8

why dont they hit it in gear and most likly roll off ......and another thing why do people try to back up when some1 pusses them on the tracks  like thers a gas peatal for a reson lol nice topic