Video Cams as Safety Gadgets? Metrolink to Install Cameras in Train Engines

Personal Injury Law News – Local May 15, 2009

Los Angeles – The Metrolink board of directors has approved a contract that would allow video cameras to be installed in its engines. The move was part of the several safety upgrades undertaken by the agency following the catastrophic Chatsworth train crash which claimed 25 lives in September last year.

The $975, 000-contract was awarded to Chicago-based Railhead Vision Systems. The installation will begin in 30 days and is expected to be completed by early September.

The forward-and inward-looking cameras will serve as a “second set of eyes” for the Metrolink system, alerting safety personnel on potential dangers and monitoring the status of its locomotives.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa welcomed the developments. He said that the cameras will prevent tragedies such as last year’s. The installation of the cameras will ensure the ‘continued safety’ of rail commuters, he added.

The agency is also planning to implement another safety measure, a more costly technology that would automatically stop trains during an emergency.