This is regarding “Train plows into cars; Rush-hour Metra crash hurts 16 in Elmwood Park; Vehicles were stuck in traffic; witnesses differ over gates” (Page 1, Nov. 24). That headline conveyed the wrong message. Yes, the fact is a train plowed into cars. The problem is the headline implies fault to Metra and not where it should be, to the drivers stopping in-between the crossing gates.
We have all seen it, drivers trying to get through gates hoping to cut five minutes off their commute. These people, in their timesaving effort, are lucky to be alive and, I hope, have learned a lesson most already know–that one should check the tracks to ensure one can get completely across before entering the intersection.
The headline is disturbing and unfair to Metra. The public would have been better served had the headline read “Drivers stop on tracks, get hit by train.” Or, if the Tribune wants to sensationalize, “Car drivers try to derail train.”
The message would have at least promoted public safety and responsibility and implied fault on the responsible party.
