Train Deaths

Your article “Deaths Don’t Halt Rail Crossings on Foot” (Aug. 17) detailed a behavior which, sadly, causes over 1,000 Americans to die or be seriously injured along our nation’s rail tracks each year. In 1993, more than 500 people died while illegally present on railroad tracks and another 500 were injured or maimed for life.

The Glendale tragedy serves as a horrific example of what is unfortunately a daily occurrence nationwide. A 7-year-old, her mother and her grandfather were struck and killed by a train as they tried to cross a set of railroad tracks.

Deaths like these, and those at highway rail crossings, account for 90% of all rail-related fatalities. They are all the more unfortunate because they are preventable. We must educate the public about the dangers of trespassing and of driver safety at highway-rail crossings.

To combat both trespasser and crossing deaths, U.S. Transportation Secretary Federico Pena recently introduced a nationwide action plan, detailing 55 different initiatives that focus on increasing public awareness, discouraging walking on rail property, improving motorists’ driving habits and enhancing law enforcement.

None of these initiatives, however, will succeed unless the public joins the effort.

Our hearts go out to the most recent victims and their family. We can only hope that this tragedy serves as a strong reminder to each of us about the dangers of walking on or near railroad tracks and of the need to obey all highway laws at crossings.

JOLENE M. MOLITORIS, Administrator

Federal Railroad Administration

Washington