At 20 seconds out?

[michael147]

The float was carrying several wounded veterans when it was struck by a free train. In addition to those killed, 16 people were injured. The National Transportation Safety Board’s Mark Rosekind says the folk remained on the tracks, even though warning signals were working.

"At20 seconds out, and that is actually an established federal minimum, the bells and lights on the mast activated.”

He says the train sounded a horn nine seconds before the crash and engaged the emergency brake five seconds before. Investigators say they are now trying to determine whether the float’s driver could hear the horn and whether the signal timing and synchronization were operating correctly.

What does it mean by "At 20 seconds out"?

Your answer would be appreciated.

[5jj]

When the train was twenty seconds from the crossing.

[michael147]

When the train was twenty seconds from the crossing.

20 seconds, the bells and lights on the mast activated, 9 seconds, the horn rang, 5 seconds, emergency brake? Is it correct?

[Rover_KE]

When the train was 20 seconds away, the bells and lights on the mast were activated; at 9 seconds, the horn sounded, at 5 seconds, the emergency brake was applied.

Rover

[michael147]

Rover

Thank you so much. You are one in a million.