CBS2 Exclusive: What More Can Be Done To Prevent Deadly Trespassing On LIRR Tracks?
SHIRLEY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Thirty-five people were struck by trains on the LIRR last year, including 28 who died.
Some were struck while trespassing on the tracks, trying to take shortcuts, CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reports.
One Suffolk County teen didn't hear or see the train. He survived, but is permanently disabled.
Resident Allison Schombs told McLogan the well-worn path saves "not even five minutes."
Parents who witnessed the tragedies are now asking for help. One young boy was struck just steps from Dequan Holly's Bellport home.
"I actually get scared for my nephews and nieces. I've got nephews and nieces in the house, and I'm worried about that when they walk over there," he said.
In the past two decades, two teens were killed in Copaigue after slipping through a barrier. A Garden City girl was electrocuted while walking on the tracks above the middle school on prom night, McLogan reported.
The LIRR heeded directives from the Garden City Village and put up high-intensity security fencing made of tightly woven metal, and more fencing is budgeted for 2017.
Railroad safety expert Carl Berkowitz, who favors fencing, showed CBS2 what he calls "uncontrolled informal crossings."
"The railroad obviously knows exactly where all these situations are," he said. "There are no secrets out there. Their train operators and their conductors have seen the kids crossing, they honk the horn."
The LIRR, like most railroads in the country, is an open system. Fencing all 670 miles of railroad property just isn't feasible, it says. So the railroad focuses on safety education, stressing that trespassing is a crime and can kill you.
"Young people do not have the common sense to understand the dangers," Berkowitz said.
Berkowitz wants more done at a much earlier age.
"They should be keeping their property safe and secure," he said.
The LIRR is self-insured, and settling claims comes out of its operating budget.
Critics say investing in safety improvements like fencing will save lives and is cheaper than paying out millions in lawsuits each year due to these tragedies.
