I can remember taking a ride on the railroad tracks for about 6 miles in my friends 1964 GTO. Must have been in the early 70's. Some of the stuff I remember - its amazing that I'm still alive.
Last week, a mother (walking) and her 8 year old son (on his bike) were waiting for the train to pass in a town near me. When the train passed, the kid started to ride across the tracks ... but the gates had not opened yet. He was hit by another train coming in the opposite direction. Killed instantly. Do you think the mother will ever forget the horror?
Six months ago, a homeless man was hit and killed by a train. They think it was suicide.