Regarding George Swimmer’s letter (Voice, Oct. 11) suggesting that a second person in the cab of Metra trains would reduce the number of crossing accidents: I could not believe what I was reading.
Trains require a long distance to stop. Even if three people were in the cab, and all saw a vehicle obstructing the tracks, it would be virtually impossible for a train to stop in time to avoid an accident. Ultimately, crossing accidents are the fault of the drivers who irresponsibly drive onto tracks.
This is the same kind of ignorance exhibited by the lawmakers in Springfield who passed the legislation lowering the railroad speed limit through Fox River Grove. That legislation was based too much on the emotions after the school bus tragedy, and not on practicality. Even at the lower speeds, it is likely that anyone driving onto the tracks in Fox River Grove will still get hit.
Metra has an excellent safety record, with very few accidents for which it is responsible.
