Some railroad unions want more scrutiny of the safety of remote control operations major railroads have used for years in and around railyards without significant problems.
Remote control train operators might have only a month or two of training before taking the controls, although the length of training varies by railroad.
Safety statistics on railroad crashes are unclear because Federal Railroad Administration reports don't break out those involving remote control trains from incidents involving trains operated by engineers and conductors.
Grissom said his union has had three members die in incidents involving remote control trains since 2015.
He said Anderson's death, combined with fiery derailments that have happened across the country this year, reinforce the need for stronger railroad safety regulations.
Persons:
Don Grissom, Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, ” Grissom, Grissom, hasn't, Fred Anderson, carmen, Anderson, Bryan Tucker, didn't, Eddie Hall
Organizations:
CSX, Brotherhood of Railway, National Transportation Safety, Federal Railroad Administration, NTSB, of Locomotive Engineers, Railroad Administration, Norfolk Southern
Locations:
OMAHA, Neb, railyards, Walbridge , Ohio, Jacksonville , Florida, Norfolk, East Palestine, Ohio