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Government Bans Cell Phones For Train Operators

by Terrence O'Brien on September 20, 2008 at 12:01 PM

Government Bans Cell Phones For Train Operators
Following the horrible train crash on September 12th, the National Transportation Safety Board has banned train operators from using cell phones on the job, at least until a complete investigation can be preformed. Investigators in California found that Robert Sanchez, the engineer on the California commuter train, had been texting while operating the train. The accident occurred when Sanchez blew through a red stop light and plowed into a freight train. 25 people were killed in the collision (including Sanchez), and 135 were injured.

This is not the first transportation mishap to have possibly been caused by cell phones, either. In June, two San Francisco street cars collided, injuring 16, while one of the drivers was using his cell phone. Last August, a teen was hit by a train while texting, and he fortunately survived.

There are currently no federal safety regulations regarding the use of cell phones by train engineers, but most rail companies ban their use. Following a complete investigation, the emergency ban on cell phones may become permanent, which is probably a good thing. We frown upon texting while driving, so it only makes sense to ban the practice when hundreds of people's lives are in your hands. [From: Washington Post, Via: Textually.org]

Tags: accident, crash, sms, text messaging, texting, TextMessaging, train, trains

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