Re: UP to begin installing inward-facing Cab Cams
Author: OPRRMS
Date: 08-22-2013 - 11:33
Mitch Cooper Wrote:
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> I can see one advantage if they send the signal
> real time to the dispatcher. Instead of the loco
> icon on his board it will be the cab view, If he
> sees they are nodding off a call on the radio and
> a possible crash avoided. There would be a price
> to pay (unless it was say carbon monoxcide
> poisoning) but maybe not the ultimate one. Our
> police, Fire and ambulance all have body cams or
> more. Our schools have cameras in the classroom. I
> have had truckers who were making a delivery show
> the forward facing camera and ones mounted on the
> rear view mirrors. Its just a matter of time they
> can take the pictures. And to the gentleman who
> mentioned the liberal use of duck tape, I am sure
> Uncle Pete or any other railroad would treat that
> the same as if you were to defeat any safety
> appliance.
That's not the way it works. The dispatcher won't "see" anything. And even is he or she did, there'd be no way to make contact with the crew. When they're asleep, all of the normal noises don't wake them up. It's even possible for the engineer to keep resetting the alerter each time it goes off.
As far as placing duct tape over the camera, that would be a federal violation for tampering with a safety device. Would also apply to "duck" tape.