Auto Crashes With Trains

The Times is to be commended for its moving story on the hidden victims of highway-rail grade crossing crashes and trespasser collisions--railroad employees (“Deaths on Tracks Exact Heavy Toll for Conductors,” June 17).

Grade-crossing and trespasser deaths account for nine out of 10 rail-related fatalities--and railroads have little or no control over these incidents. Motorists frequently drive around lowered safety gates or simply fail to yield to oncoming trains as required by law. People trespassing on railroad tracks, trestles and property also put themselves in danger.

Railroads provide peer counseling after these tragedies to help address the helplessness, sorrow and anger felt by the men and women who operate trains.

The rail industry is working hard to address this public safety concern, investing nearly $200 million annually to improve grade-crossing safety. Railroads work closely with Operation Lifesaver, a nationwide, nonprofit network of volunteers who advocate enhanced safety at grade crossings. The rail industry also supports closing many of the nation’s nearly 300,000 crossings and increasing federal funding to install additional highway devices that alert motorists to the approach of trains.

Neither railroads nor government, however, can mandate the most effective way to eliminate grade-crossing and trespassing tragedies--individual responsibility. Motorists must remain alert and obey traffic laws.

EDWIN L. HARPER

President, Assn. of American

Railroads, Washington