Safety at Rail Crossings

I thoroughly concur with the April 3 letter by Vivien Kane of Long Beach regarding the lack of protection at railroad crossings. The last time I was in England I photographed a pedestrian rail crossing at Wareham (west of Bournemouth), which shows a labyrinth of pipe barriers forcing pedestrians to turn in both directions before they could cross and a large sign that reads “Cyclists dismount.� When a train is approaching, a flashing light is activated.

Many railroad crossings in the U.S. merely have a small sign consisting of two pieces of wood with the words “Stop, look and listen.� What would be wrong with replacing these with regular, recognizable red stop signs, with the words “Railroad crossing,� at least until we can get all grade crossings equipped with barrier arms and flashing red lights?

TREVOR G. CLARKE

San Diego

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Kane asks the question, “How many times do people have to be killed at railroad crossings before something is done to prevent this needless slaughter?�

Well, let’s see. Hmm? Maybe people who come to a railroad crossing with a train in view or within earshot should use common sense and not try to beat the train!

I assume that she is implying that an impenetrable barrier be put at every crossing in America, so that the people stupid enough to attempt a crossing (while a train is hurtling at them) won’t get killed? Darwin is turning over in his grave!

SCOTT BELLOMO

Santa Monica