MELBOURNE, Fla. – After two fatal crashes involving drivers recorded on surveillance driving through a railroad crossing as Brightline trains passed the intersection, a retired train engineer supports the mayor’s idea of launching another public safety campaign.
John Zukoski contacted News 6, wanting to share his perspective on what train engineers could be experiencing when they have to go through these tragedies.
Zukoski said he was an engineer on a freight line during 15 collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians.
He said the tragic memories never leave the train operators.
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“Crossing collisions affect a lot of people,” Zukoski said. “It affects the families, the locomotive crews, the engineers, conductors.”
Zukoski then called for drivers to pay more attention when the lights are flashing and the gates are down.
“Stay clear of them,” he said. “These Brightline trains, they’re by you in five seconds. It does not take that long.”
Zukoski said the collisions make it obvious that more community awareness is needed regarding rail safety.
Along with a public safety campaign, Mayor Alfrey has told reporters about the possibility of installing quad gates at the intersection where the collisions happened.
Gates do not have to cross both sides of the road at crossings where Brightline trains do not exceed 79 mph.
“In my opinion, I think quad gates are a good idea,” Zukoski said.
The NTSB is investigating the crashes.
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