yep.. seen your point of view, but this is rather an extreme case where repeating occasions can be hardly found though not impossible..however, in most of those events, personally I prefer the officials take the precautions for people even lower than avg perception.. trust me even you or I could be in the same position when our heads are busy with job, or sad from some problem .. or anyone.. 
Not sure, in this case, it could. There were enough clues - flashing lights, sirens, barriers down on road. Surely anyone would look before crossing no matter what the lights/sirens etc doing anyway? Moreso with all the warnings going off.
I accept that many youngsters are too occupied with their electronic gadgets, and have no awareness of there surroundings. This happens on roads in the UK now, as well. Kids just walk straight out. Only that rarely hits the national headlines. Rarely hits the local news TBH.
IMHO, its not difficult to bring back our long lost friend, common sense. It just needs a change of culture, away from blame/compensation, and towards personal responsibility.