Letter
to Editor
Canton Repository
June 26, 2002
RAILROADS
HAVE ABILITY, RESPONSIBILITY TO PREVENT TRAGEDY
As a Stark County resident and mother of a victim of
a preventable railroad tragedy, I must say that Norfolk
Southern Corp. spokesman Rudy Husband’s comments (June 14, “State to install
warning lights and gates at site of three deaths”) are
blatantly false. “There was nothing we could have done
to prevent it,” he said.
Ohio has approximately 9,600 crossings, not 6,300 as reported.
About 43 percent of Ohio’s 6,400-plus public crossings
are marked with (minimal) information signs — crossbucks
or Buckeye crossbucks. Crossbucks do not warn if a train is
coming or protect motorists. This was the situation at the
triple fatality in New Westville.
Gates and lights save lives! Based on traffic volume, gates
are 80 percent to 90 percent more effective than crossbucks
and stop signs. Railroads can determine and fund crossing safety
needs but historically wait for taxpayer funding to install
protection devices at dangerous crossings. Under the federal
program, they are reimbursed 100 percent and are exempt from
liability; under state programs, they have a 10 percent voluntary
contribution. Since gates and lights prevent deaths and injuries,
why aren’t they pushing for maximum protection at all
crossings?
Railroads — private companies funded with public dollars — have
a shared responsibility for ensuring all crossings have up-to-date
technology in protection devices. Maintaining rights-of-way,
removing sight obstructions, installing reflectorized material
on railcars and ensuring safety equipment works properly can
be added to Mr. Husband’s list of things to do.
Let’s not forget the July 1, 2001, tragedy in Williams
County where five were killed. Same situation as in New Westville — no
protection devices, crossbucks only, sight obstructions, state
investigates and decides gates and lights are warranted. Too
little too late for families who have lost a loved one.
VICKY L. MOORE
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP
Trustee, Angels on Track Foundation
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