THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
THURSDAY AUGUST 22, 2013
PAGE 3A
TRANSPORTATION
Railroads to add cameras for safety
ASSOCIATED PRESS
OMAHA, Neb. — At least two major U.S. freight railroads are seeking to install cameras in their locomotives to make sure crews are following rules and avoiding cellphone use.
- Union Pacific asked a federal judge this week to declare it has the authority to install the cameras under the railroad's existing labor agreements. Kansas City Southern railroad won a similar lawsuit last month over the objections of labor unions.
The National Transportation Safety Board recommended installing the inward-facing cameras to monitor crews after the 2008 collision of a Metrolink commuter train and a Union Pacific train in southern California that killed 25 and injured more than 100.
Metrolink did install cameras after that crash, which was blamed on a distracted Metrolink engineer sending text messages.
Omaha-based Union Pacific wasn't ready to install cameras until this year because the railroad had to determine how the footage would be used and how the cameras would be installed on its fleet of more than 8,000 locomotives, spokesman Tom Lange said.
In recent years, the dangers of distracted railroad conductors have been highlighted by crashes like the Metrolink collision and
this summer's crash in Spain that killed 79 people after the driver of a passenger train failed to slow down for a tight curve while talking on a cellphone.
The unions have argued that railroads should have to bargain with them over installing the cameras because it represents a change in working conditions. Officials with both unions declined to comment on Union Pacific's effort because they hadn't seen the court filing.
"Installation of inward-facing cameras will provide additional security for train crew employees, enhance compliance with KCSR and (Federal Railroad Administration) operating rules, and improve overall safety," Carlson said.
Kansas City Southern has been installing cameras in its locomotives ever since the July ruling that determined the issue didn't require bargaining with the unions, railroad spokeswoman Doniele Carlson said.
Union Pacific is making similar arguments in its court filing.
Union Pacific says it believes that adding the cameras will help prevent catastrophic crashes.
The United Transportation Union and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen unions have both resisted efforts to install crew-monitoring cameras.
150 years ago today, Lawrence started rebuilding from Quantrill's raid. Two years later they chose to build KU on their highest hill. Both projects seem to have been
highly successful!
POLICE REPORTS
Information based on the Douglas County Sheriff's Office booking recap.
- A 22-year-old male was arrested yesterday on the 1000 block of Illinois Street on suspicion of sexual battery and battery. A $500 bond was posted.
- A 21-year-old male was arrested Tuesday on the 700 block of 9th Street on suspicion of assault, public consumption of liquor and aggravated assault. A $1,000 bond was posted.
- A 21-year-old male was arrested Tuesday on the 700 block of 7th Street on suspicion of reckless driving, driving with a suspended, revoked or canceled license, no insurance, altered or defaced tag and attempting to elude police. A $500 bond was posted.
- A 21-year-old female was arrested Tuesday on the 2300 block of Iowa Street on suspicion of operating under the influence. A $500 bond was posted.
— Emily Donovan
MOVING DAY
GEORGE MULLINIX/KANSAN
With the beginning of a new school year, students living on campus will start unloading their belongings in their new quarters Friday.
GEORGE MULLINIX/KANSAN
After moving in, students will be subjected to campus parking. Some parking areas are harder to find a spot in than others. Make sure to check which areas students can park in, and which lots require parking permits.
Where:
Kansas Union Lobby - Level 4
When:
Fri. Aug. 23 thru Fri. Aug. 30
Time:
9 A.M.-5 P.M.
Sponsor:
SUA and
Union Programs