Train Hazard

In regard to an article published on Oct. 11, titled “Date With Death: Train Trestle’s Haunting Legacy Spurs Father to Action,” I wish to comment on the positive value of the story. It serves as a memorial to young Adam Ruley, and at the same time deals with his father, Henry Ruley’s remarkable battle to prevent his son’s death from happening to others.

Ironically, the new improved railroad tracks that allow Amtrak and Santa Fe to travel smoother and quieter also contributed to Ruley’s death. He couldn’t hear the approaching train. Living near the tracks, one gets accustomed to the noise and thinks nothing of it. The same as a person who resides next to a freeway for a length of time. So who is really benefiting from the so-called “improvements,” when the rate of fatalities is increasing?

DEBORAH PLATTNER, Cardiff