Reaction or Overreaction?

I have written about this previously, train operators using their mobile devices in order to text while operating. Although looking at my past Standing Room Only entries, I don’t see my words. Yet, it goes without saying, I have observed train operators using their mobile devices while moving. Smart? Nope, not at all. Stupid on all accounts and in violation of a regulation at BART.

With the recent Union Pacific and Metrolink head on accident last week, the state is bringing down the hammer. California Bans Texting by Operators of Trains, the headline reads as, “emergency order was passed unanimously by the five-person California Public Utilities Commission, which noted the lack of federal or state rules regarding the use of such devices by on-duty train personnel..” Again, one would think it goes without saying, if you are operating a train, plane, automobile you have a responsibility to operate that vehicle safely. Yet common sense is not so common and in this case does not prevail. More regulation from the California PUC. Is it necessary? Or like many thing government regulatory bodies do, overreact. See 9/11, the DHS and TSA.

Rules and regulations are set forth for a reason when an employee is operating a train or any other vehicle. It is their responsibility to the patrons, to the company and to themselves to do it in a manner that is safe and not to have distractions that could impair judgment. Unfortunately it usually takes a catastrophic event, like an accident or a 9/11 for policy to be immediately altered. But is is going to correct the problem? I doubt it. Back to the original question at hand, was this really a problem that needed regulating?