Editor,
I was glad to read in (in the Oct. 15 edition of the Daily Journal) that Caltrain authorities have stepped up enforcement at the Broadway intersection in Burlingame, the scene of two of three recent vehicle/train crashes in Burlingame. The third was at the Bayswater Avenue crossing.
If 12 citations were issued by transit officials during Wednesday morning alone, that tells me there is a chronic problem of motorists stopping on the tracks that needs to be addressed more often than the occasional enforcement that is possible using limited personnel.
What’s needed is automated traffic enforcement, often referred to as “red light cameras,” though in this case, there are no such lights. Vehicles stopping on the tracks instead would be ticketed.
According to California Vehicle Code 21362.5, Rail Grade Crossings Automated Enforcement System: “Railroad and rail transit grade crossings may be equipped with an automated rail crossing enforcement system if the system is identified by signs clearly indicating the system’s presence and visible to traffic approaching from each direction.”
The city of Burlingame and the Caltrain Joint Powers Board need to immediately consider, and hopefully authorize, this proven preventative measure so future crashes are less likely to occur. Where it has been applied in southern California, such crashes were reduced by an incredible 78 to 92 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Replace the signs stating, “Don’t Stop on Tracks” with signs warning of automated ticket enforcement and compliance will increase dramatically and lives will be saved.
Irvin Dawid
Burlingame
Please purchase a Premium Subscription to continue reading.
To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.
We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.
A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means you’re helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
Only subscribers can view and post comments on articles.
Already a subscriber? Login Here
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.