Expert Tells WCBS 880 Fatigue Could Have Played Part In Amtrak Derailment
PHILADELPHIA (CBSNewYork) -- Did fatigue play a role in the deadly Amtrak derailment in Philadelphia?
An expert tells WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs it could have.
After 39 years as an Amtrak engineer, Robert's first thought after hearing about the recent tragedy was fatigue.
Expert Tells WCBS 880 Fatigue Could Have Played Part In Amtrak Derailment
Robert, who prefered not to use his last name, said pilot fatigue is a much bigger problem than people realize.
He blames some of the problem on budget cuts, which has led to shorter layover times.
"Instead of getting three hours down there in Washington to take a rest, get something to eat, especially if the train is late, now, they could turn around in 20 minutes because they are going to have to save money someway," he said.
Ultimately, Robert said technology known as Positive Train Control is necessary to prevent future tragedies.
The Washington D.C. train bound for New York derailed on May 12 as it entered a curve going 106 miles per hour in a 50 miles per hour zone. Eight people were killed.
