Automobile Waiting at Railroad Crossing for Train to Cross the Road, December 1927
THF286514 / Automobile Waiting at Railroad Crossing for Train to Cross the Road, December 1927
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Artifact Overview
The automobile's growing popularity in the early 20th century brought an increase in railroad crossing accidents. A car-train collision put the auto's occupants at serious risk, but it could also be hazardous to railroad crews and passengers if the heavy car derailed the train. Railroads and highway departments sponsored public safety campaigns warning motorists of the danger.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Photographic print
Date Made
25 March 1927
Subject Date
25 March 1927
Collection Title
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
84.1.1660.P.833.48803
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Ford Motor Company.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Linen (Material)
Technique
Gelatin silver process
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 7.75 in
Width: 11.5 in
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Related Content
SetRailroad Crossings
- 12 Artifacts
For as long as trains and automobiles have coexisted, some motorists have felt the need to "race" a train to the crossing. Some early magazine advertisements encouraged the practice, showing daring drivers outrunning speeding express trains. Few habits are so dangerous. A speeding train can take more than a mile to stop. Even in a tie, the motorist loses.