Bill Seeks Ban on Electronic Devices by Train Operators
A bill sponsored by New Jersey Democratic Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan seeks to ban train conductors and bus drivers from text messaging or sending e-mails when their vehicles are moving. According to this news report, only emergency electronic communication would be allowed under this particular bill.
Introducing this bill is a result of a fatal commuter train crash that occurred in California last year killing 25 people and injuring close to 150. The Metrolink engineer involved in the accident was apparently sending a text message 22 seconds before the catastrophic collision with a freight train. Diegnan said that he believes some people have become so addicted to these electronic devices that they expose other people to grave danger without even thinking about it. New Jersey already has a ban in place for texting or talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving.
This bill has been a long time coming. It is a much-needed preventive step to avoid fatal commuter train collisions such as the one that happened in California. Train engineers and conductors must give their undivided attention on the track. Bus and train operators in New York City owe the utmost duty of care to their passengers. This means that they are responsible for transporting their passengers to destinations in a safe manner.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed as a result of negligence on the part of a public transit operator, please contact an experienced New York train or bus accident attorney at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro to schedule your free consultation. We will investigate your case and hold the negligent parties accountable for their actions.
