Rail lines should address safety issue

For over 25 years I have investigated train accidents and worked to improve rail safety. In fact, I wrote the nonfiction book "Railroad Collisions, A Deadly Story of Mismanaged Risk." Just knowing that some of the improvements I have advocated have been implemented is humbling.

Ten of Metra's 11 Chicago-area commuter lines have effective systems in place to reduce the risk of a second-train pedestrian accident. Passing trains cannot enter a station if a commuter train is either stopped or exiting a station, or along Metra's UP West Line there are both a verbal and an LED lighting system warning when a second train is about to pass through if there is a stopped or exiting train.

This is not the case along the Metra/BNSF line, the busiest set of tracks in the Chicago area. A chime sounds if another train enters the same section of tracks on this busy three-track line as the stopped or exiting train. In error pedestrians often believe the chime is sounding for the stopped or exiting train. They then cross the tracks and the results are far too often deadly.

The Federal Railroad Administration's "Guidance On Pedestrian Crossing Safety At Or Near Passenger Stations" in April 2012 recommends that pedestrian crossings at commuter stations be made safer, but Metra/BNSF ignores this recommendation. For years I have urged that the Metra/BNSF line make station pedestrian crossings safer.

The risk of a second-train pedestrian accident can and should be reduced.

George Swimmer

Downers Grove