The regular readers of these threads understand that I have been fairly critical of rail transit and Amtrak. Having said that, a moving train and the realities of the laws of physics regarding kinetic energy made it impossible for the engineer to avert the recent tragedy in Kent. The fascination of kids with "playing chicken" and other types of risk taking is something that has worried me constantly as a parent, and despite the fact that the "baby" in the family is now a well adjusted 17 year old, worries me still. The engineer isn't the problem. Society decided through it's regulatory agencies that this was an acceptable risk and rolled the dice. Brakes can only dissipate so much energy in a given period of time, and with kinetic energy being proportional to the SQUARE of the velocity, fast trains just can't be brought to a halt in a reasonable distance.

Risk is not a reason to NOT do something, but it's something that should be considered and managed. The price for running Sounder on BNSF tracks was an increase in speed limits, not just on the passenger trains that will be STOPPING in Kent, Auburn, and Puyallup, but also on the freight trains that will now be doing 60mph through those cities. One would hope that the cost of the grade level improvements needed to manage the increased risks of more trains going faster through heavily populated areas are already included in the Sound Transit budget. If not, they need to speak out now as to what these costs will be, not discover them later after future tragedies. Same goes for the downtown train tunnel that they want to run Sounder trains through that has no ventilation or emergency egress. IF we are going to run these trains, we need to manage the risk. Just don't start the service and "discover" after the money's been spent, new risks that need more money. Be honest in the debate before the service starts. And for God's sake, don't "discover" the safety problem by avoidable tragedies.

But don't blame the engineer. He did his best, and he'll live with the memories of being unable to prevent this tragedy for the rest of his life. Not his fault. We OK'd the speed, and the laws of physics did the rest.

Craig Carson

-- Craig Caerson (craigcar@crosswinds.net), April 21, 2000

Answers

to Craig: You write: "But don't blame the engineer. He did his best, and he'll live with the memories of being unable to prevent this tragedy for the rest of his life. Not his fault. We OK'd the speed, and the laws of physics did the rest."

Obviously, the families of the victims are devastated. But, perhaps not so obvious, the engineer may be the most devastated of all.

When I hear this kind of sad news, I just want to hug my wife and kids, one more time.

Craig, I know we debate ideas hotly, but I bear you know ill will. I wish you and yours good health and great prosperity.

-- Matthew M. Warren (mattinsky@msn.com), April 21, 2000.

Have a great (and safe) weekend with your family, Matt.

And may God bring solace and comfort to all that are affected by this tragic accident.

-- (craigcar@crosswinds.com), April 21, 2000.