To the Editor:

As an expert witness in railroad accident cases, I have spent countless hours observing motorist behavior at the Randolph Road railroad crossing in Rockville. Many drivers wait on the tracks for the traffic light ahead to turn green, while others try to “beat the train” when the flashing lights and sounding bells activate about 20 seconds before an oncoming train arrives. These motorists are flirting with tragedy — not unlike the recent Metro North accident where six people lost their lives to a vehicle trapped between the depressed railroad gates. Since the Randolph Road crossing is already equipped with the most effective safety device — automated gates — short of separating the track from the roadway, the only way to reduce motorist danger is to dramatically change motorist behavior.

The current regulatory/railroad industry approach to affecting motorist behavior is to educate them to “stop, look and listen” for trains. This approach is limited in scope, does not seem to apply to gate crossings, and has never proven to be effective. As a parallel, think of motorists driving through stop signs. I believe that an alternative, effective solution is readily at hand.

Electricity already exists at the Randolph Road crossing and it would be very inexpensive to mount cameras on both sides of the track. Motorists inappropriately entering the track structure, especially after the alarm is activated, would be subject to a $500 fine. One fine would pay for the cameras and additional monies could be designated for administration of the program and other safety needs. I can’t image that too many people would pay $500 to save a few minutes of their time, let alone risking their lives.

Dr. Harvey A. Levine

Potomac

The writer is a transportation consultant, was a vice president of the Association of American Railroads from 1979 to 1997, and has been a specialist in railroad crossing safety over the past 18 years.