(The following editorial appeared on the San Antonio Express-News website on October 25.)
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — In 2004, freight trains carried a load of trouble — and danger — for residents of Bexar County.
The worst incident came when two trains collided in a rural area of the county, ripping open a tank car and spewing chlorine in an accident that killed four people.
The tragedy prompted state, federal and local leaders to seek tougher safety measures for the railroad industry.
With the recent passage of a House bill to improve rail safety, that effort seems to be paying off.
The bill, which represents the first major revamping of the Federal Railroad Administration in more than a decade, would require longer rest periods for workers.
Fatigue was cited in the fatal accident of 2004, Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, D-San Antonio, said earlier this year, when he held a hearing here to develop legislation to help prevent rail accidents.
The House bill would require that railway employees get at least 10 hours off during a 24-hour period and limit shifts to 12 hours.
“This legislation was both welcome and necessary in light of the alarming number of rail-related accidents and incidents in Bexar County over the last few years,” Gonzalez told the Express-News.
The bill should go a long way toward preventing those types of accidents. We urge the Senate to follow the House’s lead.