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Dangerous tracks

Owners of backyard swimming pools know about "attractive nuisance." When someone is drawn into the yard, invited or not, falls in the pool, is injured or dies, owners are liable. Thus the need for security measures.

The Burlington Northern Santa Fe tracks dividing Fresno are just that: an attractive nuisance that invites disaster.

BNSF tracks travel through the Fresno City College campus. Two and a half years ago a man was killed there. On Feb. 2, an Amtrak train speeding through the campus at a reported 65 mph to 70 mph, well over the speed limit, struck Jamie Davis' backpack as she crossed the tracks rushing to class. Spun around, falling to the ground, Jamie escaped death, suffering injuries that included several fractures. On Feb. 9, a man was killed by a southbound freight on BNSF tracks near Princeton and Maroa avenues. He was sitting on the tracks and it's not known if he was suicidal, under the influence of some substance or ill.

Recent trains vs. people incidents received little Bee coverage; one only 15 lines in the police report. They need more serious exposure. The BNSF tracks obstruct the daily lives of Fresno residents and visitors coming to the city.

We applaud Fresno residents and city, county, state and federal officials working to finally achieve Fresno rail consolidation, removing this BNSF more-nuisance-than-attractive feature. In trains vs. people, the people must win.

John Ferdinandi

Chairman

Fresno Residents for Rail Consolidation