Leading a coalition of 15 attorneys general, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is pushing for a new safety regulation, urging the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to mandate a minimum of two crew members on most freight and passenger trains. The move comes in the wake of numerous train accidents that have taken a toll on local communities, highlighting the potential dangers of understaffed trains.
In a statement obtained by the Illinois Attorney General's office, Raoul explained, "Research shows that crew members operate trains more safely when working as part of a team because they can coordinate with one another, provide backup in emergency situations, solve problems together and protect against fatigue.” His leadership emphasizes the coalition's stance on enhancing train safety not only in Illinois but across the national network. These recent incidents have not only caused loss of life and injuries to residents, but local resources have been stretched thin and environmental damage has been significant, requiring immense efforts and capital to address the aftermath.
According to the brief filed by the coalition's attorneys, the intended rule aligns with substantial evidence and is necessary to protect the well-being of the public. It advocates for the establishment of safer working conditions for the crew members who perform demanding tasks, often under challenging schedules, which directly correlates with decreasing the incidence of catastrophic train accidents. They argue that the new rule also presents a balanced approach to incorporating technological innovations by allowing one-person train operations under strictly controlled conditions when a thorough risk assessment is conducted and it can be shown the operation will be safe.
Raoul's coalition, which includes the attorneys general from states including Colorado, Michigan, and New York, emphasizes that the rule both supports the workforce and mitigates risks to residents and the environment by fostering a secure train operating framework. The coalition's brief, referencing a risk assessment for one-person operations, allows for technological advancements to be adapted so long as they don't impair crew safety or public welfare, the attorneys general from the coalition stressed the importance of having a resilient safety protocol that integrates human judgment with technological progress to ensure safety is never compromised under the guise of efficiency and innovation.
For more information on the coalition's brief and the attorney general's initiative, one can view the details provided in the official news release on the Illinois Attorney General's website.
