Trax

I've been very excited that Trax is opening a line with a station just around the corner from my house.  Unfortunately, last week there was an accident that claimed the life of a 15 year old girl at the intersection closest to the station.  At first it was believed that she had gone around the warning gate.  But further investigation determined that it was a sad set of circumstances.  The gate was down and operating (although the arm did not extend all the way across the road, so it wasn't actually barricading the girls), but it just so happened that two trains were passing at that point at almost the same time.  The two girls waited for the east-bound train, and then started across.  Because of the sound wall right there (as you can see in the picture), they didn't see the west-bound train until it was too late.  One girl managed to jump back, but the other was hit. 

From what I understand, it is not necessarily safe to proceed even if the gate is up.  It is only after the lights and bells stop that it truly is safe.  So, please, please take this lesson to heart.  This is on my route on my daily walk, and you can be sure that I am much more cautious now.