Sleep Deprivation and Texting A Major Issue in Many Common Carrier and Railroad Accidents – Often Results In Tragic and Easily Preventable Fatalities
Recently the National Transportation Safety Board issued a report wrapping up a 16-month investigation into the Metrolink crash concluding that the collision was caused by a train engineer running a red light while text messaging young railroad fans. The report squarely placed the blame on the engineer who was killed in the crash and said all mechanical parts of the train seemed to be working properly and added that the collision could have been avoided had an automated system that stops trains in the event of human error been installed. The Federal Agency also recommended that all commuter rail lines in the nation install cameras to monitor train operators. Causing more alarm to this writer is the fact that the reckless behavior of the driver had pre-existed this event and was he not terminated. Metrolink knew that the driver had engaged in this kind of behavior previously, yet he had not been disciplined or fired.
It is truly tragic and extraordinary that 25 families lost loved ones and all of the injured had to tragically suffer as a result of behavior that was reckless and pre-existed the event despite no termination.
The report also noted that the conductor of the train had likely used marijuana within three to eleven hours of the crash but the report did not find this to be a contributory cause of the accident. Years ago, the NTSB made recommendations for the FRA and others to require positive train controls and ban the use of cell phones but little or no action was taken.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident involving a common carrier or railroad, please feel free to contact one of our outspoken common carrier and train accident attorneys for a free no obligation consultation.
