What were the causes of the metrolink accident

In response to your peers, state whether you agree or disagree with their conclusion as to whether the money spent to regulate railroad safety was spent in the most efficient way to reduce death and injuries. Critique their strategy for influencing safety regulation. Be sure to justify your response.

1. What was the cause of the Metrolink accident and could it have been avoided?

It is my opinion that it absolutely could have been avoided. Sanchez was functioning on too little sleep “On this day, Robert Sanchez was up before dawn. He reported at 5:30 a.m. and worked four hours, rested four hours, then returned to work in the afternoon. (Steiner & Steiner, 2012, pg 342)” Also, Sanchez was texting and disregarding the warning signals as appropriate “At 4:21:56 the train passed a red signal light ahead of the curve. It was a command to stop. Sanchez failed to radio in the signal and did not stop. (Steiner & Steiner, 2012, pg 342)” Truck drivers are limited to their drivable hours – why in the world was this man allowed to get into an engine again on such small amount of sleep?! “Drivers using the sleeper berth provision must take at least 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, plus a separate 2 consecutive hours either in the sleeper berth, off duty, or any combination of the two. (FMCSA, 2011)”

Is the high cost of train control justified by the likely safety gains for passengers?

This is a hard question to answer. If you were one of the people who were injured or had a family member taken from you, then I am certain they would think any amount of money was necessary to prevent future injuries or deaths. However, if the government wants to invest the money into all of the research, why don’t they just put the money towards the ECP brakes? “…order years of new research to confirm the safety benefits of ECP brakes. (Morgan, 2015)” So in my opinion, put the brakes into action if the money is going to be spent one way or the other! Save as many lives as possible.

Is the money spent to regulate railroad safety being spent in the most efficient way to reduce the risks of death and injury in society?

I think that the railroads, oil refiners and stockholders can most likely easier absorb the cost of installing the ECP brakes, moreover the common blue color worker having taxes increased in order to pay for years of useless research. So if the money is going to be spent on research, then no I do not think the money is being spent wisely.