Freight Brakeman in LA Train Collision Sues

[PilotVBall]

Why bother suing? Just show up to the houses of those who were responsible and beat the shit out of them. Show them the same pain you suffered. Then, watch how something like this never ever happens again.

[Petemonster62]

Years ago, didn't they have a safety device called Automatic Train Stop that became activated if a train passed a red signal?

[1kelseysmith]

9/12 hmmmmmmmm...

[hearsedriver1968]

Typical for our nations railroads. Shameful. The technology is in place to eliminate the crew of a train. It's time to enact this, or eliminate rail altogether in the states.

[Boss302fan]

@hearsedriver1968 This isn't typical at all. It is news because it is highly unusual. If you eliminate rail altogher you will be transferring massive tonnage to the nations highways where the accident rates are much, much higher.

Your suggestion is pure genius.

[russianspetsnaz31]

hmmm, 9-11 buildings fall, 9-12 trains collide, whats going to happen on 9-13 o_O

[JBofBrisbane]

LITIGATION - because sh#t doesn't just happen, it's SOMEBODY'S FAULT!

[bourwiskey]

funney how the press or the goverment dosnt mention that there is only one man in tha cab of the locomotive on all amtrack and commuter trains , so do you think this could have been prevented by having two men in the cab ???????

[Boss302fan]

@bourwiskey There's also only one man in the cab of a truck going down the interstate at rush hour. Usually only one individual driving a bus. As with trucking and intercity bus lines, there just isn't enough funding for a two man crew in the cab anymore. Amtrak loses massive amounts of money each year. If a second crewman was required Amtrak would certainly be forced to drop many operations already in jeapordy.

[CowboyTheHellUp]

@Boss302fan well unless the truck driver is a team driver.. and there are plenty of them

[Boss302fan]

@CowboyTheHellUp True. About 99% of the thousands of trucks coming into long beach are single drivers...but I can't speak for the industry as a whole. So if you are a pro driver...or work in the industry...I'll bow to your knowledge.

[CowboyTheHellUp]

@Boss302fan Well OTR drivers tend to be either solo or team.. But like you said along coastal regions where the product doesn't need to be sent to far I can see how it would be almost completely solo drivers.

[sam12321able2]

september 12 almost like september 11. 9/11 and 9/12

[geomodelrailroader]

he ran a red light and the switch was closed because Metrolink ran the light they derailed and then UP hit them brodside derailing both trains human error always leads to acidents we do our best to avoid them.

[sad1eluvsme]

@ specialnotdumb go suck a dick or whatever, no one wants a racist asscracker on youtube

[specops1991]

Yeah running a red light? 100% his fault, its not like this was a freak accident and neither engineer had time to react. He blatantly disobeyed a MAJOR safety rule and as a result people died.

[a300b4f]

i thought they said the reason why he ran the light is because he was texting

[Applachia0928]

@Specialandnotdumb We only sue because the company didn't do something right or that they are careless. Then the don't give a damn what the customer says. So, they sue.

PS: Don't insult my country, or we'll come and fuck up yours.

[RazLxGroovy]

@Applachia0928 im british, ignore that absolute cunt he's clearly as intelligent as a toaster

[ivangrozny27]

i will just never get over the litigious nature of American law. Psychological compensation? for the love of Christ.........

[specops1991]

@ivangrozny27 Are you retarded? Thats a huge factor. The emotional damage that can be caused by seeing someone die violently in front of you, especially if its a loved one. Thats a huge burden to carry around and truly can mess you up with a life time of suffering and pain.

[SpecialAndNotDumb]

americans and your lame sueing , oh no I farted next to an american obese fat fuck now he wants to sue me

[specops1991]

@SpecialAndNotDumb Yeah except no ones suing over that, no one ever has, no one ever will. IN this case theyre suing because some asshole ran a red light and killed 25 fucking people.

[SpecialAndNotDumb]

@specops1991 touchy touchy , take yours meds and settle down , this is youtube you fucktard

[specops1991]

@SpecialAndNotDumb Youre retarded if you have to point out that this is youtube. Everyone here knows that. That doesnt matter at all. I thought you were just joking with your comment, but now im starting to think youre stupid enough to actually think that.

[SpecialAndNotDumb]

@specops1991 And your point is ? Oh yeah your point is irrelevant because you are just another mouthy cunt hiding behind a monitor on youtube , So fuck off with calling me a retard , thats so childish

[TheEmilychurchill]

HE WAS UPSET HIS FAG BOY FRIEND LEFT HIM AND KILLED EVRYONE ELSE WITH HIM SELF SELFISH FAG .

[shadow444222]

@TheEmilychurchill great another mr. troll

[re49991]

Faggot Metrolink Driver

[jayfine01]

ahh sd70ace

[themattrat1995]

Raising commuter railway budgets is not the answer to this accident here. What you need in the US, or more specifically in the whole world, is some way to make sure that the operator of the locomotive is well rested and will be fine for the duration of his trip. Either that or don't hire people who lack attentiveness...

[Boss302fan]

@themattrat1995 I agree with the rest issue. It has been ignored too long in the rail, trucking and busing industry. Hiring is another issue. All the testing and background checks in the world won't protect you from a small percentage of individuals who end up being incompetent but you are unable to fire because of union rules.

PTC is going to be a big step forward in North America for passenger and hazmat runs. Unfortunately the cost is incredibly high. We'll see what happes.

[Boss302fan]

@themattrat1995 Well said. That goes for rail, air and trucking. I'm not sure if the problem exists in the maritime industry.

Driver fatigue is a leading cause of death in busing and trucking accidents. The toll is terrific, but goes unnoticed as the incidents, while many, usually do not result in multiple fatalities as happens with rail and air.

Lack of rest for train crews, in particular freight, is an issue that must be addressed.

[themattrat1995]

@Boss302fan Working the same way as the air industry (3 crew members) could also be a way to have 1 member rest while 2 on duty, reducing the fatigue level of the crew. Problem with this is that it will cost more money, but it would not be as expensive as wrecks that occur so often due to fatigue problems...

[Boss302fan]

@themattrat1995 Actually you are wrong. Requiring additional personnel is far more costly than paying for the wrecks. That's why there is usually only one man crews for passenger trains. Most passenger operations are already big money losers and tacking on additional personnel costs isn't something governments want to do. (Oddly enough freight railroads which are privately operated almost always have two men in the cab).

Fatigue reduction needs to come from required rest.

[themattrat1995]

@Boss302fan Two man crews should be the norm on every railway in my opinion. I would agree that most operations are money losers already, but that is only because people have turned a blind eye to the efficiency of rail transport. There are many people to take the trains, they just choose to drive instead. Yes ticket prices are high... But that is to compensate for the seats that aren't filled so the company can keep the service going. Besides, at the rate gas is increasing. Why not?

[Boss302fan]

@themattrat1995 Your proposal for two man crews would turn many already unprofitable lines into extremely unprofitable lines. The result would be a reduction in service or elimination altogether. Taxpayers are already against funding passenger service in North America. To increase that taxation (or ticket prices) would move more people into automobiles as the trains went away.

Still want that two man crew?

[themattrat1995]

@Boss302fan You seem to know way more about profitability in American passenger railway service, I give up even though I don't think this was a battle of any sort :-s.

[Boss302fan]

@themattrat1995 Not a battle at all!!! Just an observation from one who has spent his life in the industry. I agree with you. It is sad our passenger operations in North America (US, CN, MX) struggle to gain acceptance. I personally would like to see them succeed and expand.

But it's a tough job. And when you toss in that second train crewman...while it seems easy...the problem grows dramatically as unprofitable lines become dramatically more unprofitable.

So...keep riding!!

[themattrat1995]

@Boss302fan Oh okay, I didn't realize you had been in the industry, that explains how knowledgeable you are... I'm aspiring to be a freight conductor... I would also like to see passenger rail service succeed.

Its unfortunate how people just turn their backs to rail service.

I try to help my local railway (Ontario Northland)'s passenger services.

[Boss302fan]

@themattrat1995 Ontario Northland is a class outfit. Great operating staff. My suggestion for anyone trying to get into this industry is to get to colelge and get a degree in logistics. Then you are not aspiring to be just a conductor, but potentially someone who knows how it all fits together and can make an impact. THis industry needs bright young people. Good luck!

[amjott]

There were several witnesses that said the signal was green. They HAVE to make a big deal out of the texting B.S., as the ensuing panic from allowing the witnesses who stated the signals were to blame would be disastrous for America's RR's. I had an SLE (Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers) with a picture of two green signals at a passing siding. Bad signals happen, but in a situation like this, they HAVE to point blame elsewhere for liability.

[Boss302fan]

@amjott Locomotive engineers moving people or thousands of tons of products have absolutely no business texting or being on a personal phone call. Yes. "THEY HAVE TO MAKE A BIG DEAL" out of it because "THEY" have a responsibility to employees, customers and the public.

Disastrous for America's RR's? Panic? There have been signal failures before and there was no sign of a panic or a "disaster".

[amjott]

@Boss302fan Uh, not that I've heard about being flailed through out the MSM like this was. No, this was a HUGE event, and if it were to get out that the real cause was a signal failure, it would "hit the fan." As for texting from behind the throttle, I think it's irresponsible, but there were already rules on the books regarding the use of personal electronic devices in the cab. The FRA went WAY overboard in its emergency order.

[Boss302fan]

@amjott I disagree with the "way overboard". I personally do not want any of my crews out in a cab with any device other than what they need to do their job with. They have a huge responsibility to themselves, their family, their brothers on the job, their customers, and the communities they move through. The FRA clarified the existing rules with their usual strong arm and it resulted in everyone paying attention. As they should.

[amjott]

@Boss302fan The real causes of the accident were: 1. Signal failure, 2. Inadequate crew in the cab, 3. Crew inattentiveness. In that order. This is what happens when we get B.S. contracts rammed down our throats and end up with only ONE MAN IN THE CAB OF A PASSENGER TRAIN. As for texting, again, no excuse for it, but the whole thing was blown out of proportion, when, as usual, management goes hog-wild in trying to point the finger of blame at the crew. The signal issue was squashed.

[Boss302fan]

@amjott I work for UP in California.

#1: I don't buy that one. Can you show me where there is a jot of evidence other than by uninformed bystanders where signal failure was found to be at fault?

#2: I've been an engineer or qualified as one my entire working career. I guarantee you that one individual in the cab is enough for runs like this one. This is the norm throughout the world.

#3: Yes

Mgt pointed blame at the crew because it was the crew's fault.

[amjott]

@Boss302fan Hmm..I've been a Locomotive Engineer on a number of different RR's, and will readily say that yes, MOST freight trains in America yes, one man in the cab is sufficient. Where high speeds, meets and PASSENGER equipment is used, NO!! I can see you're a "typical" manager, NOT a "union brother" and are in favor of contracts at the detriment of the train crews. Safety is VERY REAL. It is not a dodge, hussle, or EXCUSE, such as many managers MAKE IT.

[amjott]

@Boss302fan For MOST smaller freight RR's, fine. NOT where high speeds, and especially passenger equipment is involved. I can see you're 1. a "typical" manager, 2. NOT a "union brother" 3. safety is an excuse, dodge, or hussle, to you. Let me tell you something--our jobs are dangerous enough as it is without frauds like you making them worse through mis-information. Safety is REAL. The shame is that the SPIRIT of the rules usually gets thrown out door in investigations.

[Boss302fan]

@amjott Yes. Safety is real. That is why the FRA did NOT GO OVERBOARD as you accused them of. It is you, a former engineer, accusing the railroad of going overboard on safety.

In this case the engineer, not management, screwed up.

I've been a qualified engineer since I was 18. I know for a fact engineers in the US are not dumber or less capable than those throughout the world operating high speed passenger with one man crews.

[amjott]

@Boss302fan Yes, the FRA DID go overboard, and the unions, as being perpetuators of the BS contracts that have led up to this, by supporting the FRA decision, are as much to blame for the misinformation and distraction involved. The SPIRIT of the rule has been so overlooked...not just here, but almost everywhere in the industry as kangaroo-court style "investigations" screw with people. I'm still running trains today, and I feel that yes, texting is wrong. I still believe the FRA went overboa

[Boss302fan]

@amjott First you accuse management of not caring about safety. Then you accuse the regulatory agencies of being to careful about safety. WTF is it that will make you happy?

And a question. As an engineer do you feel you are not qualified to run a train by yourself down mainline trackage? Personally I know for a fact I am qualified and capable of doing so safely and efficiently. As are engineers throughout the rest of the world?

Perhaps you need training.

[amjott]

@Boss302fan I have no problem running trains by myself, and have done so quite safely for years. I'm saying when there are people's lives at stake, and we get BS contracts rammed down our throats, this kind of thing is going to happen. Perhaps YOU need to go to a shortline where your attitudes toward coworkers is more inline. The FRA went overboard in a blanket decision covering ALL, regardless, with plenty of hypocrisy in the mix. A COMPANY cell phone is OK, but mine is not? HYPOCRITE!!!!

[Boss302fan]

@amjott There you go. You feel qualified to operate by yourself in a cab. People's lives are always at stake. I may not be pulling passengers, but I may be pulling hazmat that could kill far more people. No "hypocrisy". The only communication devices you need should apply to rail communications. Company issued phones can be used to report incidents, receive instructions, etc. So yes, your phone is not ok. As an engineer I have no problem with that. FRA rules also cover all shortlines.

[amjott]

@Boss302fan Where I RR currently, all dispatching is over a company issued cell phone. When that dies, it's a federal offense to turn your personal one on and continue to do business. S T U P I D. So, you're supposed to sit around feeling sorry for yourself, unable to get a new track warrant because you have no LEGAL means of communication. FRA blanket ruling. STUPID. HYPOCRITICAL. Moronic. But, I suppose what am I supposed to expect from our government? Then people like you support it.

[Boss302fan]

@amjott I support safety. You have no need to have your personal cell phone with you on a run. Neither do I. Maybe you would feel sorry for yourself. That's sad but given the tone of your emails understandable.

The shortline I visited this afternoon had very specific rules posted on crew lockers. "All personal cell phones must be locked up in vehicles or in lockers before going on duty".  The ruling is for safety and put there by the very management teams you say do not care.

[JetMechMA]

@Boss302fan: I guarantee you that one individual in the cab is enough for runs like this one. This is the norm throughout the world.

JM: My God, engineers are only human. Sitting in that cab can be mind numbingly boring and put a person to sleep. A second person can help keep the other more aware. In this case, the one engineer is said to have run a light and it cost 25 lives. Was it worth 25 lives to prove a point? "The norm thoughout the world." Are they not human in other countries?

[Boss302fan]

@JetMechMA Yes,engineers throughout the world engineers are human. And daily those engineers safely operate passengers trains safely with one crewmember.

True, a second person might make the other person more aware. Or distract them. So could a third. Or a fourth. If the train had been held to 25mph max those people would also be alive.

Given your thinking all buses should have two drivers. And all trucks. Maybe all automobiles.

[JetMechMA]

@Boss302fan: Given your thinking all buses should have two drivers. And all trucks. Maybe all automobiles.

JM: That's a cheap shot. Driving a bus is much more interactive than riding the rails and therefore easier to stay aware....and bus drivers fall asleep at the wheel all the time and busses DO crash. There is a LOT more at risk if a train should crash.

[Boss302fan]

@JetMechMA Not a cheap shot at all. As you said, bus drivers fall asleep all the time and the number of deaths in North America by bus dramatically exceeds that of rail. Same for truckers. So therefore we should require two drivers for buses and two for trucking. Right? Wouldn't it be worth hundreds of lives to prove a point?

Given that throughout the world single engineer trains move people safely in vast numbers, let's tackle busses and trucks first for the safety of all. Right?

[JetMechMA]

@Boss302fan When was the last time one hundred busses filled with volitile chemicals crashed into a large city all at the same time because the driver fell asleep or ran a red-light? See the difference? You should.

[Boss302fan]

@JetMechMA The number of deaths for passengers per miles traveled for buses far exceeds the number of deaths by rail. See the difference? You should. In your own words..."bus drivers fall asleep at the wheel all the time". So with your own logic, we need to keep bus drivers awake and their passengers safe by introducing a second driver. See that? You should.

[JetMechMA]

@Boss302fan No I don't see it at all....like I said, there is no comparison, much more is at stake in train accidents. THATs the point. The only reason the companies want to only put one person in the cab of a train is to save money. That's despicable. For the record, I'd be all for having a second person along with the driver of commercial vehicles that carry over a certain number of people. But the point is, there is much more at stake in a train accident. This is one for the union.

[Boss302fan]

@JetMechMA The "companies" in the US and throughout the world is usually the government. Not private enterprise. So, blame the taxpayer for not wanting to pay additional taxes to pay for a 2nd crewmen to sit and do nothing.

As there are as many deaths in buses as rail, there is a comparison. If we put a second driver in every bus, wouldn't deaths go down? Isn't not doing so despicable.

If we lowered bus and trains speeds to 40, lives would be saved. Not doing so is despicable.

[JetMechMA]

@Boss302fan: The "companies" in the US and throughout the world is usually the government. Not private enterprise.

JM: I don't know what you're getting at there. Railroads in America are privately owned. ...unless you're talking about mandating the second person. I'd be in favor of that. But the pressure to eliminate the second person is from the company NOT the government. And let me say it again, yes, I'd be in favor of putting a second person in the cab of long haul commercial busses.

[Boss302fan]

@JetMechMA Freight railroads are privately owned. Passenger operations such as Amtrak are funded by taxpayer dollars. So you must think it dispicable Obama doesn't force higher taxes to fund this additional crewman. .

Seeing you're in favor of buses forced to run with two individuals, of course you're behind the same requirement for trucks. There are far more annual deaths due to trucking driver fatigue than rail. Not to be in favor of this would be...dispicable. Right?

[JetMechMA]

@Boss302fan You're out of your mind, as I said, there is more at stake with a train carrying 100 cars loaded with everything including hazmat. THAT's the difference. Hauling many cars loaded with the equivalent of several busses, THAT's the difference. You don't get that. What?...two men hauling the equivalent of 100 truckers isn't enough for you? You want to eliminate even the second man as well? What kind of monster are you? Is your greed unlimited? The answer is yes, your greed has no limits.

[Boss302fan]

@JetMechMA I understand your point. I'm just following up on your logic. If far, far more deaths are caused by fatigued truckers than fatigued railroads, why are you not supporting the 2nd man in the trucker's cab.

Never said I wanted to eliminate the 2nd man on freight.

So again, you love to use the "big business greed" card. You need to switch that to the "big government greed" accusation.

And again, railroads all over the world run passenger with 1 man crews. So can we.

[JetMechMA]

@Boss302fan: And again, railroads all over the world run passenger with 1 man crews. So can we.

JM: They already do, don't they? I rode Amtrak last year and there was one guy in the cab-car. But driving a commuter train is much more interactive than driving a long haul frieght. For the record, I'd be in favor of a second guy in the cab of commuter trains and on busses. If Obama was responsible for blocking safety improvements I'd be against him too.

[Boss302fan]

@JetMechMA Yes we do. But you propose increasing the Amtrak budget and commuter rail by hundreds of millions of dollars to force a second crewman. You want to do the same to buses. Given your accusations of greed and demand for safety, you want to force another driver in trucks (as they have the highest death rate by far due to fatique).

Singlehandedly you have solved the nations unemployment. Want to talk intractive. Try taking a 15000 ton freight down a hill and into town.

[JetMechMA]

@Boss302fan Have it your way. I surrender.

[themattrat1995]

@Boss302fan I do not understand 1 man in freight trains... What if your train sets off a detector? you'll have to hop out of the cab and go look for the problem possible 2 miles down the train. At least with 2 crew the conductor can hop out and the engineer will pull ahead and help him out. Having the engineer hop out would be dangerous, there should always be someone in the cab right? (I'm not trying to accelerate the convo, I just want to hear your opinion on this problem should it happen)

[Boss302fan]

@themattrat1995 For freight operations I am in favor of 2 man crews (or more) in almost all situations. There are some exceptions, but those are rare.  For example, one man crews with RC units switching in confined industries or yards. Movements made in the confines of a large mine or facility where other employees are around with vehicles. For example, some large coal loading operations have one man crews But, for the most part I agree freights "generally" need the 2nd individual.

[themattrat1995]

@Boss302fan Okay yeah, I agree with the switching RC units aswell. It just sounded like you two were saying you both were in favor of one man crews on everythin. Thanks for elaborating.

[Boss302fan]

@railrdr523 Europe is in much better condition than America? Much better? In what way? Which country in Europe? What measurements are you using to make such a statement? I've traveled and worked all over Eastern and Western Europe and all over America (US, Canada, Mexico). I guarantee you there are good areas and bad areas in all of these areas. To say one is "much better" is silly.

[upfan2000]

the metrolink people should be sued not union pacific!!! The brakeman is a retard!! union pacific had nothing to do with this crash cuz metrolink ran a red light!!!

[TheMattsbro]

i'm not rely a fan of metrolink

[yourhighlights]

This wreck happen for different reasons....... NOT FOR THE CELL PHONE!!!!!!!!!!!

[25mfd]

@yourhighlights Are you saying that the distraction of being on the cell phone DID NOT contribute to the accident? Was it ever determined if the accused engr was even on the phone?

[itech46]

I work for UP and the fault was solely on the Metrolink engineer for running through a control point without authority. We are putting systems in place to prevent future human error events. Rules are written in blood.

[charlieb640]

@itech46 "Rules are written in blood". Sadly enough, isn't that a fact. 

[california342]

it's all about the money fuck the dead money talks

[Boss302fan]

@california342 Accidents cost money. No one profits when these things take place in today's society. This incident was purely caused by human error. Not by greed or management or stockholders. Simply a human being doing something stupid as they are prone to do.

[YouTransistor99]

The reporter did not mention that one of the train operators was sending text messages just before the collisions. Incredibly, several other train accidents followed this one, notably one in Boston, in which an operator was texting. You would think someone would get the hint.

[nhmiller1231]

the odds happening after the memorial day for 9/11

[joshmeister4449]

this is why you should NEVER let people like NICK WILLIAMS (the kid who was txting the enginerrs) near trains or there crews. its not100% the fault of the metro link enginerr, blame should also be put on nick because of his roll in this crash.

[AsianPerson3]

@joshmeister4449 Fosho

[Boss302fan]

@joshmeister4449 Of course it was 100 percent the engineer's fault. He was at the control of thousands of tons on track that carried hazmat, passengers and heavy tonnage. He was in charge. The individual responsible. He blew it.

It doesn't matter whether your 15 year old lover, your mom or the pope is texting you. His responsibility is to stay focused on his job.

[StudioGhiblifan1241]

that is dum

[DJBuckCallYo]

Yeah! Its a lawsuit in the USA! Sorry that song was stuck in my head.....

[wakaphwap]

great last name (news reporter)

[joynthis]

What the hell does a brakeman do on a passenger train?

[NZsquadron]

fuckin yanks, i hope not all of you are thieving, inconsiderate, money-laundering cunts like this person. Why does money have to be their way out when it was an ACCIDENT, i guess all you americans see nothing as an accident and that there always has to be someone to blame

[Boss302fan]

@NZsquadron And I hope all New Zealanders are not ignorant, bigoted, assholes such as yourself. THere are over 300 million individuals living in the US. There are the same ratio of assholes to good people as there are in New Zealand.

BTW...in this incident there WAS someone to blame.

[Dieselnut216]

Fuckers ruined it for everybody

[rongenman]

America=free country.........railroad management does not care either.....lawsuits are figured into the freight rate of all railroads........if the train doesnt crash then more money.....nothing at a class1 railroad is an accident....they are all planned for....

[Spacek531]

@rongenman America has some of the most strict laws about railroading. One congressman quoted, "Railroads are like a state within a state, and we all have to worry about it." You thing Driver's Ed is bad? think of the hundreds of laws that the railroad companies have to obey every day.

[rongenman]

@Spacek531 I worked for a class 1 railroad, and like the rest of the railroads they violate hundreds of federal laws daily.....these laws you talk about, who makes sure the railroads adhere to them? no one, the FRA inspectors are spread wayyyyyyy to thin to act as any type of enforcement.......

[Boss302fan]

@rongenman Railroad management absolutely does care. It's a constant battle to keep freight rates down with incredible pressure from trucking. An increase in freight rates means a reduction in revenue and carloads. Efforts to keep accidents and law suits down as load as possible is a management goal of railroaders, big truckers and airlines. It makes no sense otherwise.

[rongenman]

@Boss302fan O.K.

[BoogyWoogyCreep]

@Boss302fan Holy brainwash. Managements cares? I've been a railroader for 20 years, and it has never changed. Management couldn't give two shits about anything, especially train crews.

[Boss302fan]

@BoogyWoogyCreep I've been a railroader 30 years and in management about 20 of those years. A while both management and union have their share of assholes I will tell you for a fact that most of us care greatly about those who work for us and what we do.

[analyzingfunny]

"The dangerous conditions to persist" is that the Metrolink pilot had severe emotional problem. The day of this collision he broke up with his boyfriend. This is no "accident" look at the carnage!, people. This was suicide. The Metrolink was going top speed when it hit that fully loaded freight train and pushed it back 500 feet. That is not normal. Everyone should sue for the "conditions" that existed.

[Boss302fan]

@analyzingfunny How do you 'sue' for the actions of an employee who was going to commit suicide? In particular that his break-up happened that day.

Are you just another "sue everyone" type of American?

[alexander1485]

damn, no live crash footage?

[MrJumper68]

Here in Denmark, no matter what, you have to stop for the train, even if the train has a red light. It is always your fault if you is hit by a train.

[galvenizedsteel]

everyone whose comments are on this first page needs a clue. idions.

[wirerail]

Good, this was caused by piss poor training. ( no pun intended)

[Railbuff23]

Piss Poor Training and Piss Poor Judgment meaning they dont give a shit wtf happens to their buisness only them getting paid is all they care about am i right

[Boss302fan]

Who is "they". Who is the "they" who doesn't give a shit?

The stockholders of the railroad? You better believe they give a shit. Accidents result in lower earnings, lawsuits, etc. No stockholder wants an unsafe railroad.

The employees don't give a shit? Probably true for some. I've seen many, many safety violations committed by rail employees who had training and new better. It's just human nature to take shortcuts. Sad.

[and0243]

I give props to the UP crew for going track speed; it they were "dogging" it that collision would have happened in a tunnel. Plus the impact was mitigated because both trains were on a curve.

[jacobew2000]

From what I understand, he was seriously hurt in this crash!

[johnmason2354]

Sue Sue Sue

Oh my neck. LMAO

F*ing personal injury vulture attorneys and their scumbag "get rich" clients.

pathetic..

[tjohn1986]

yeah i bet you would just set fire to a pile of cash

[NSguy07]

This collision brought about ALOT more then just tougher cell phone rules, this incident was fuel for getting the hours of service laws changed.

[Boss302fan]

What laws changed as the result of this. Can you be specific?

[and0243]

Cells phones and just about any other personal electronic device are banned while in the cab of a moving train.

[Boss302fan]

Those are not 'hours of service rules'. What 'hours of service' rules changed as a result of this collision?

[and0243]

We are required to have 12 hours rest. If I work 6 "days" in a row, I am required to have 2 days off. Now at the away-from-terminals we usually sit in a hotel and "rot." Then about 12-18 even 24+ hours later we go to work; sometimes we deadhead back home (rarely). It used to be 8 hours rest for anything less than 12 hrs on duty. The gov't had good intentions but the law needs to be adjusted. I've been writing to Rep Jim Oberstar along with a lot of rails with concerns/complaints.

[Boss302fan]

You still haven't answered.

What in this collision brought about hours of service changes?

I know what hours of service rules are. I just haven't seen a single tie between this collision and those long needed changes.

[and0243]

This incident along with others forced congress to act. I reckon the fools in DC felt they "needed" to do something. Write a letter to your senator/rep and ask them.

[Boss302fan]

There was nothing in this incident that had anything to do with changing hours of service laws. It did bring to light issues involving use of personal electronic equipment in the cab.

But I do agree the laws need further adjusting.

[and0243]

You're right.

[rongenman]

@Boss302fan All class 1 railroads banned the use of cell phones while on duty except in case of emergency, and the Federal Mandate of the 2 day rest period for engineers.....

[Boss302fan]

@rongenman I'm aware of the rule changes. I manage BNSF/UP and shortline crews on a daily basis at this terminal. I do have crews using cell phones in non-emergency situations but each call must be for official railroad business.

My point here is that this particular incident weighed in heavily on the formation of cell phone useage (or other electronic devices) rules. It did not factor in to hours of service

[BoogyWoogyCreep]

@rongenman Where is this Federal mandate of two days off? I'd love to have two days off!

[iLuvGraffitiART]

Whise?

[TheDepotCat]

This accident has had reverberations on this side of the Atlantic. Now all phones MUST be switched off in the cabs of UK trains

[Jaanfo]

Yeah, same stuff over here... Even in the body of passenger trains the crew can't be using a personal cell phone.

[4Mr2ThC0]

@TheDepotCat

same thing here in canada...all phones must be turned off when the train is in motion...its okay to use them if you're in a siding waiting to be cleared...

[TheDepotCat]

Is this the same Connex, [A French firm], that had a franchise to run trains in Southern England..? In 2000, they were stripped of their "South Central" rail franchise four years into a seven-year contract..? They also had the "South Eastern" franchise removed in 2003. The contract still had three years to run.

[Jaanfo]

Yup, Same company!

[samatention]

rendtion

why. should he wait??? he is hurt as any one else. workers comp that wount cover shit.

[Tequilaman45]

rail crews don't have workmans comp they have FELA

[Redlance71]

Conex is a scab company, from what it shows they don't do upgrade training nor supervise thier empolyees well. I'm a unionized Engineer with U.P. and both company and union make diff between accountablity/safety and sad incidents like this.

[jtogto05]

if you dont know anythingh about railroads then why run off at the mounth like you know somethingh.all you know is your iq must be the size of your wille. 40

years of rr

[bfromduarte]

That's what happens when outside contractors are called to do the job. Not enough training and carless where safety should be # 1 priority.There is not enough accountability and they dont have much to loose.

[charlieb640]

Dunno man. While railroading in North America is very safe considering the tonnage hauled....these accidents happen on Class I railroads with the same frequency.

[salbug65]

@bfromduarte that so called outside contractor trains theyre emplyees better than the up. the metrolink safety record is much better than the up. i know ive worked for both companies

[staphinfection]

It seems like everyone uses the bullshit 4th amendment so they can get filthy rich the easy way out..... Fucking assholes.

I got sued for $750,000 for a minor fender bender.  The dude ended up getting $50,000 and I lost my car insurance.

Turned out the asshole made fucking $100,000 per year on top of it..... What a fucking prick. I was ready to murder his ass if he'd actually made me lose my house and family and shit.....

YOU DONT HAVE TO FUCK PEOPLE OVER TO SURVIVE!

[MNRRConductor2006]

The brakeman IS a victim, just like the rest. The difference is he was lucky enough to survive, He is also a victim of an idiot who chose to be a careless ass while operating a train.

[xiberphim]

he was on the train too. I might add by choice, just like all the other people.

[Danispalace]

the metrolink conducter was gay and if they made this a movie with a sad song it might be good

[salbug65]

@Danispalace lol you dork it was the engineer that was gay. the conductor still swears he saw a green light b4 highballing. by the way witch brakeman was it, the one that tested dirty? or the one that was on the internet looking at porn when they hit/

[bolexdude]

America = Lawsuitsville

[nzardoin]

ain't that the truth

[canonsucks]

it's a fucking shame

[epl0si0n]

@bolexdude "ill sue you for saying that"

only in america

[dotcombatgames]

@bolexdude aint it great!

[jrg8008]

@bolexdude In this case, justified.

[csxES44DC]

I don't blame the brakeman for what he is doing. I feel bad for all the ones who died here, but if the engineer had survived, he would have to live with this for the rest of his life.

[iamtrakn2]

You know the brakeman tested positive for marijuana?

[MNRRConductor2006]

That would be a small price to pay for the harm he caused.