Letter
to Editor
The Repository
August 29, 2004
STOP
SIGNS ACTUALLY CAN MAKE RAIL CROSSINGS LESS SAFE
Regarding “Ohio among few states failing to boost safety
at rail crossings”
(Aug, 20): Ohioans shouldn’t take lightly the dangerous
recommendation the National Transportation Safety Board made
for installing stop signs at crossings without gates.
While NTSB is correct that Ohio ranks traditionally as one
of the top 10 states for train-car accidents and fatalities,
its so-called “cheaper alternative”
won’t save lives. It will, however, reduce railroads’ liability
for future accidents and fatalities, and eliminate any railroad
maintenance costs for safety equipment at crossings.
In 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled (Norfolk Southern v.
Shanklin) that
“the use of federal funds in the installation of crossings
warning devices was sufficient to preempt state law in the
selection and installation of adequate warning devices….What
states cannot do, once they have installed federally funded
devices, is hold the railroads responsible for the adequacy
of those devices.” The crossing in this case had only
a crossbuck.
A movement is under way to pass legislation to require stop
signs at all passive crossings. Passive crossings, without
gates, are generally those with low vehicle traffic compared
to high train traffic and account for the majority of all train-car
accidents. If federal funds are used to install stop signs,
the same preemption would apply.
The Federal Highway Administration is aware stop signs can
make a crossing less safe. Federal highway rules state stop
signs are allowed at crossings only if the stop sign doesn’t
affect the safety of the crossing. This statement demonstrates
knowledge by safety engineers that stop signs reduce safety.
In addition, recommended minimum sight distances are realized
using a moving vehicle, not a stopped vehicle.
One fact cannot be disputed: Numerous transportation, safety
and government studies prove properly functioning gates are
90 percent effective in preventing accidents and fatalities.
The question should be why is the NTSB recommending stop signs?
VICKY L. MOORE
Salineville
Trustee, Angels on Track Foundation/Crossing To Safety
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