Photo by Christen LaCorte on Unsplash

In driver training classes, we learned to look both ways before crossing railroad tracks. We also learned to obey the red flashing lights and crossing arms when they are down, waiting for a train to pass. Once the lights stop flashing and the arms go up, we assume it is safe to proceed across the tracks.

Terror

Imagine my surprise when I was on the railroad tracks, and I mean straddling the rails when I saw the train engine light bearing down on me at the…