Reports have indicated a system called
Positive Train Control (PTC) was in place on the track system but not on the train itself; PTC works as sort of a backup to human control with the capability of overriding human control if the train is operating out of safe parameters. PTC is a very important feature for train safety, but the US rail companies have stalled on universal implementation (it hits their bottom line and, hence, the bonuses of the rail executives) and have had tacit cooperation from some members of Congress in delaying the PTC systems by the continued push backs and extensions given the rail industries to comply with laws already on the books. PTC is in use on the commuter rail system here in Southern California, but only after a couple of severe train wrecks, the last costing 25 lives and 125 injuries:
2008 Chatsworth train collision --
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_C...rain_collision
Quote:
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which investigated the cause of the collision, the Metrolink train ran through a red signal before entering a section of single track where the opposing freight train had been given the right of way by the train dispatcher. The NTSB faulted the Metrolink train's engineer, 46-year-old Robert M. Sanchez, for the collision, concluding that he was distracted by text messages he was sending while on duty.
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One of the changes recommended by the NTSB, in addition to implementation of the PTC system, was the installation of audio and video recording of all train engine cabs to ensure operator compliance with work norms; this drew a loud howl from the operators' unions, decrying 'invasion of privacy'; the changes, at least on the SoCal lines, were made...
It is way past time for Congress to give more weight to the safety and welfare of the rail passengers and less to the penny-pinching of the self-serving rail executives...
...Maybe if we took the costs of settling the damage claims directly out of their salaries and bonuses?...
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