Langhoff v. Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien Railway Co.

DixoN, C. J. When this cause was formerly here on apppal from the judgment of nonsuit (19 Wis. 489), we said that, were we satisfied from the evidence that the deceased knew the speed at which the trains were moving, or that she could reasonably have calculated it, or that she knew that there were two trains running nearly side by side over the two roads, we might then agree that the nonsuit was proper. The cause has now been fully tried on its merits, and much testimony upon these points taken which did not before appear; and from this testimony wé are quite satisfied there can be no recovery in the action. It now not only appears that Mrs. Langhoff must have seen and known that the two trains were approaching side by side, or nearly so, but also that with the exercise of any care on her part she must have known that they were running at a much greater rate of speed than usual. The additional testimony not only convinces us of these facts, but it shows that, looking at the trains, she paused for a moment at or near the tracks, as if to consider whether she might safely proceed or not. She proceeded, and the fatal result shows the recklessness of her conduct. No prudent person would have attempted the passage under such circumstances; and the inference of negligence is so clear and unavoidable that no jury can be justified in returning a verdict for the plaintiff. People who knowingly or deliberately take such risks must suffer the consequences of their own want of care or errors of judgment. Without, therefore, dwelling upon the evidence, which we deem to be unnecessary, we must reverse the judgment, and remand the cause for a new trial. By the Court. — Ordered accordingly.