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Re: New on Jan 4 NTSB update re: Amtrak 501-Not Much New?
Author: Erik H.
Date: 01-09-2018 - 19:33
Question Wrote:
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> Would a series of giant signs as follows have prevented this accident?
Maybe the question is, are the currently installed speed restriction signs adequate in terms of position, size, color, etc.?
The MUTCD has very specific rules about the size of a sign and its placement. The railroads set their own signing policies; the speed sign that is installed on this track follows the BNSF standard and appears to be a 18" wide by 12" tall sign - the size of a standard "No Parking" sign. Now, imagine you're travelling down I-5 at 70 MPH. Do you think you're going to be able to see that sign?
To put it in perspective, those green milepost signs posted every mile along a freeway are at least twice as big...
Also, a lot can happen at two miles. How many highway warning signs are positioned two miles back? None. Again, the MUTCD specifies a set distance - a sign prescribing a reduction in speed from 70 MPH to 30 MPH would be positioned 450 feet prior to the restriction. Now trains for obvious physical reasons need more time to slow down, but is two miles necessary or even appropriate?
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> Would a series of giant signs as follows have prevented this accident?
Maybe the question is, are the currently installed speed restriction signs adequate in terms of position, size, color, etc.?
The MUTCD has very specific rules about the size of a sign and its placement. The railroads set their own signing policies; the speed sign that is installed on this track follows the BNSF standard and appears to be a 18" wide by 12" tall sign - the size of a standard "No Parking" sign. Now, imagine you're travelling down I-5 at 70 MPH. Do you think you're going to be able to see that sign?
To put it in perspective, those green milepost signs posted every mile along a freeway are at least twice as big...
Also, a lot can happen at two miles. How many highway warning signs are positioned two miles back? None. Again, the MUTCD specifies a set distance - a sign prescribing a reduction in speed from 70 MPH to 30 MPH would be positioned 450 feet prior to the restriction. Now trains for obvious physical reasons need more time to slow down, but is two miles necessary or even appropriate?
