The thing that shocked me the most about this incident was that there didn't seem to be any sort of backup system that would kick in if the engineer screwed up and missed the signal(s). With all the GPS tracking systems and remote technology that are used in automobiles it's hard to imagine that something similar couldn't be used on trains.

You wonder what safety mechanisms they have in place out on WES. I understand that the commuter light rail will be on the same tracks as freight trains...

Can we expect to soon learn of policies or guidelines that blocked implementation of high-tech safety systems?

Not to long ago I was watching a show about engineers. That engine is full of fail safes and it boggles me that there isn't one for red lights.

Don't worry, they were talking about WES having WiFi; so instead of worrying about the engineer just texting before he plows into a P&W train, but he might post it to Facebook.

That engine is full of fail safes and it boggles me that there isn't one for red lights.

There is. It just costs too much.

There is a system that could solve this problem.

The National Transportation Safety Board has been pushing the technology for decades. The estimated cost to install it nationwide is $2 billion, Boardman said.

Meanwhile, we're spending $10 billion PER MONTH in Iraq.

Priorities, people.

You gotta love the internet. As I read that article the computers see that I am apparently interested in text messaging, the bannner ads are for Verizon Wireless. More coverage, more deaths.