Railroads Failed to Report Crossing Accidents, N.Y. Times Says

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ailroads have failed to promptly and accurately report hundreds of accidents at grade crossings over the past eight years, the New York Times reported in a two-part series published July 11 and July 12.

The newspaper also said that railroads had removed evidence that might have shown warning signals at crossings were not functioning properly, delayed in reporting critical accident data and provided inconsistent data from event recorders on its trains.

The series blamed federal officials in part, saying that federal regulators in 1999 told Union Pacific Railroad to “stop calling after fatal accidents.” While federal officials denied that claim, the paper reported that in 2000, the number of accidents not reported promptly by UP had quadrupled.

“Union Pacific’s conduct is a stark example of how some railroads, even as they blame motorists, repeatedly sidestep their own responsibility,” the Times said.

For the full story, see the July 19 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.