Another side to the train safety debate

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In an article last week in The Decatur Daily, residents in Falkville protested over the CSX recommendation of closing a railroad crossing after deadly accidents have occurred there.

CSX blieves that the safety of motorists and its own employees is at stake.

Cain, a former locomotive engineer, said safety is the driving force behind CSX's appeal.

"We're running 32 trains per day through town, and we're getting ready to increase that number to 50," he said. "In an accident, you'll lose you're loved ones and our crew will lose their sanity."

Cain said there had been four fatalities at the crossing. A resident reminded him that three came in one accident.

The Alabama Department of Transportation has the authority to close the crossing if it sees fit. Many local business owners feel that the flow of traffic to their businesses would be affected by closing the crossing.