Please read this , I typed it and it is serious...

 

Hello all!

I know there may be some people I am sending this to that I haven't spoken to in a long time, but I still feel that I should get this word out to all, present, or past Friends....I would never wish what happened to me to will happen to anyone.

 

I almost got in what would have been a  fatal accident this morning...within seconds of being hit by a Metra Train.

 

Yes, I know I have exaggerated situations before, but this really has me shaken up.  I have already been on the phone with Metra regarding the situation

 

This morning I was heading south on 83 turning right (west) 120 in Grayslake. The turn lane is snow packed and I had to be cautious as it is a short lane.  I was ready to proceed over the tracks and looked to my left because it was clear, but I noticed the red and white (no turn) arrow over the intersection was lit.  As I looked to my right, the train gate was coming down on my hood.  I threw the van in reverse and went back as fast as I was able (spinning tires the whole time) didn't even look behind to see if it was clear.  By the time I looked back up the train was in front of my van moving full speed.  The reason I  am so alarmed is because there was NO HORN AT ALL, not even a sound from the signal.  I did not have the heat or radio on, in fact the window was cracked open an inch, so would have heard any sounds.  I know there are sections of Grayslake and Mundelein that are "no horn zones" for the trains, but I believe the external speakers are being affected by the snow.  It was also upsetting that the train was in front of me as quickly as when the gates came down, so now I wonder switch that makes the gates go down in plenty of time before the train has approached, has also been effected by the snow.  I am assuming that this did happen as fast as I think it did, as no vehicles around me even honked. 

 

Please forward this to people in the area.  If I had paid just a second less of attention, I would not be typing to all of you right now. 

To those of you who know me well, I even called called Howard and got chocked up while talking to him....this is not my usual ....it must have been bad.

 

I am waiting for a call back from the Superintendent of Meta now.

 

If anyone sees my Guardian Angel, please tell him I said "Thanks", I really think he was there.

 

Be safe!!!

 

Diana