Now that the repaving has been completed on Timberland Drive, and in a speedy fashion I may add, is it asking too much to get crossing arms installed at the railroad tracks?  I mean the new paint looks great, but when you drive a Pinto there's no telling where the stall may occur.  Call me old fashioned, but a double yellow line painted in the center of the two lane highway is a false sense of security, since it does not stop a sleepy driver from crossing over it.

Here's why I bring this up.  On the 224 Loop this morning, had to get some liquid for my other car, a 1971 Datsun 510 with moon rims.  I observed the red flights flashing uncontrollably annoucing an impending train to the morning commuters.  Then I heard the horn blow five times in quick succession (toot, toot...toot, toot...toot, toot...toot, toot...toot, toot), about 10 seconds apart.  To my horror, most of the motorists sped up in both directions, to "beat the train", with one lucky person screeching to a halt after probably realizing they didn't have burial insurance.

Let me know if I'm out of bounds here, please.  With the exception of the true daredevils - by putting crossing arms up, when they go down - you won't make a knee-jerk decision that could be the final decision you ever make.

My advice is to treat the flashing "reds" like a police cruiser.  Once you spot them, STOP!  Call your work while waiting for the train to pass.  Hold up the phone if necessary, so the boss can hear the noise.  Don't end up like my close high school buddy, Timothy Stantion.  On a clear day about oh, 35 years ago, Timothy thought he was Superman -  faster than a locomotive - he was wrong.

More From Classic Rock Q107