Safety at Rail Crossings

I thoroughly concur with the April 3 letter by Vivien Kane of Long Beach regarding the lack of protection at railroad crossings. The last time I was in England I photographed a pedestrian rail crossing at Wareham (west of Bournemouth), which shows a labyrinth of pipe barriers forcing pedestrians to turn in both directions before they could cross and a large sign that reads “Cyclists dismount.” When a train is approaching, a flashing light is activated.

Many railroad crossings in the U.S. merely have a small sign consisting of two pieces of wood with the words “Stop, look and listen.” What would be wrong with replacing these with regular, recognizable red stop signs, with the words “Railroad crossing,” at least until we can get all grade crossings equipped with barrier arms and flashing red lights?

TREVOR G. CLARKE

San Diego

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Kane asks the question, “How many times do people have to be killed at railroad crossings before something is done to prevent this needless slaughter?”

Well, let’s see. Hmm? Maybe people who come to a railroad crossing with a train in view or within earshot should use common sense and not try to beat the train!

I assume that she is implying that an impenetrable barrier be put at every crossing in America, so that the people stupid enough to attempt a crossing (while a train is hurtling at them) won’t get killed? Darwin is turning over in his grave!

SCOTT BELLOMO

Santa Monica