Semi truck drivers probably feel like they're at the top of the food chain for most of the time, but their survival instincts should kick right in the moment they approach a railroad crossing - because that's where the only thing they can meet that's capable of hurting them even more than another semi lives.
Luckily, most of these places are very well signaled with signs installed from over one hundred yards away, clearly visible lights and even acoustic signals once you get closer. Apparently, though, that isn't always enough, and some drivers either fail to notice any of them or choose to ignore them because, well, they're just that type of a person.
In this case, the weather conditions might have played a role as well. Given the icy roads, it is very likely that the truck driver relied too heavily on his brakes. Instead of engine braking from afar, like you were told to do under these circumstances, he seems to approach the rail tracks at a relatively high speed. He also doesn't show any intention of steering right or left, even when it becomes quite clear that there's no chance he'll stop the vehicle in time to avoid the collision.
Luckily for him, the timing is right, and he only bumps into the side of the train, reducing the damage his truck suffered considerably. But the impact is strong enough to pull the front part of the semi into the train's direction of travel, so that it too is now facing right. Obviously, the train keeps going, unfazed by what must have felt like a mosquito bite.
Phew, that was close. Alright, now's the time to get out of there. Put it into reverse or drive forward, do whatever it takes but just take that vehicle off the railroad tracks. You got lucky, but let's not push it. Come on, you just need to... HOLLY CRAP!!! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?
In this case, the weather conditions might have played a role as well. Given the icy roads, it is very likely that the truck driver relied too heavily on his brakes. Instead of engine braking from afar, like you were told to do under these circumstances, he seems to approach the rail tracks at a relatively high speed. He also doesn't show any intention of steering right or left, even when it becomes quite clear that there's no chance he'll stop the vehicle in time to avoid the collision.
Luckily for him, the timing is right, and he only bumps into the side of the train, reducing the damage his truck suffered considerably. But the impact is strong enough to pull the front part of the semi into the train's direction of travel, so that it too is now facing right. Obviously, the train keeps going, unfazed by what must have felt like a mosquito bite.
Phew, that was close. Alright, now's the time to get out of there. Put it into reverse or drive forward, do whatever it takes but just take that vehicle off the railroad tracks. You got lucky, but let's not push it. Come on, you just need to... HOLLY CRAP!!! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?