FRA 9-08
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Contact: Warren Flatau and Rob Kulat
Tel.: (202) 493-6024
Statement of Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph H.
Boardman On Restricting Improper Use of Electronic Devices by Railroad Workers
“Today’s announcement by the National Transportation Safety Board regarding the
tragic Metrolink crash has made it clear that the use of cell phones and other
personal electronic devices must be immediately addressed. The bottom line is
railroad operating employees cannot focus on their critical safety functions
while engaging in phone conversations, texting or any other form of unessential
electronic communication, often in violation of railroad operating rules.
“The consequences of inattentiveness and distraction are simply too catastrophic
to be addressed at the operator or state level alone. As a result, we will
issue an emergency order explicitly prohibiting the use of personal electronic
devices by railroad employees while operating trains and in other settings.
Everyone involved with rail travel deserves the full attention and focus of
train operators, without exception and without excuse.”
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