NTSB Board Meeting: Amtrak and CSX collision near Cayce, South Carolina

[@othername1000]

1:55:23 break ends, meeting resumes

[@Halberdin]

Technology to get this right (check track occupation, change switch, signal "proceed", but continue checking) has been available for 60 or more years. As signals were "suspended", lower speeds, additional communication and scrutiny were the way to go.

[@idkjames]

I think it’s a conspiracy. Ntsb protecting another govt agency

[@jaysmith1408]

If i’m not mistaken, CN and CP have lamps on the switch stand, which, at track speed, would only enable approaching crews to slow their train, but would also be an advisory to switching crews as to switch position. As well, isn’t there a position by radio system? “Switch XYZ track 1 northbound reversed” or what have you?

[@AEP817]

jfsa380 I think your are correct about the lighted switch stands. A headlight might wash out the lighted stand though. Some switch stands have reflective targets that allow you to see the target position via headlight or bright flashlight from a couple hundred yards away.

[@AEP817]

The General code of operating rules has had a rule that would have prevented this (108) since at least the 1940s. (In case of doubt or uncertainty, the safe course must be taken.) Im pretty sure NORAC has a similar rule. The engineer doubted the position of the switch was correct. The conductor should have gone to check the switch to verify the position.

[@a914freak]

Yes since it was a manual switch that is the only way.... One word, LAZY!

[@a914freak]

This is why derailers are the best failsafe when it comes to switch positions.In order to be certain that in the event a human makes a mistake and forgets to align a switch the derailer will be there.

[@marcgrundfest1495]

There really is no reason not to edit out the break... I mean really????

[@othername1000]

Yesterday's meeting they finally did!

[@apollosaturn5]

Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg: "We had ample examples of hundreds of successful signal suspensions without a problem because those individuals took their responsibilities seriously." Yes, "successful signal suspensions without a problem" because no accidents happened. But, out of those hundreds of signal suspensions, how many were closed calls, and because nothing happened everything stayed the same until this accident occurred? (even if employees raise their safety concerns, as it happens in some companies). So, the conductor's failure wouldn't be a root cause, but a symptom of a lousy safety culture within the company. On top of that you have the soft hands of the FRA, not being diligent enough to implement the safety regulations that would had prevented this and other accidents from happening.

[@a914freak]

47:56 to 48:55 Cringe worthy statement right there! Ooof!

[@JTC2227]

This is so good

[@SourBogBubble]

Been waiting for this one since it happened. Those engineers that left the gate open for Amtrak to go into the unloading station need to rot in a cell then eternal fire in hell.

[@jaysmith1408]

SourBogBubble what luck for rescue, they were only a block and a half from the fire station

[@tiendaonlinetstore]

SourBogBubble imsure they woke that day looking to kill someone. Jerk