Amtrak to install cab cameras

Good idea. I think it is strange that it is taking this long to compare the cab video with his cell phone record. a lot riding on that info

It's been coming.  This may speed it up a bit.

 

Crews will not like it, but we are on-camera frequently if we are out in public these days.  The in-cab camera will not ruin anybody's day if they are doing their work properly, as almost all of them are doing.

IMO. There have been cameras on our local school buses for sometime, even this silly machine I'm facing has a dot above the screen, I'm told is a camera.  Maybe it looks at me more than I look at it.  Huge thing today, about police having shoulder mounted cameras.  In an anything but perfect world, I wonder if we will ever get the benefit of doubt.  We all can have a bad day just about anytime. IMO.  

I was told there are numerous cameras along the trails I hiked last fall at the Grand Canyon, for safety reasons.   Does paranoid apply at this point.  Mike CT.

Metrolink got inward facing cab cameras shortly after the Chatsworth incident several years ago. Some of the new UP engines have them, and BNSF is rumored to start getting them next month. All the newly delivered BNSF unit do not have them.

Just like the cameras in the crew vans and company vehicles, the cameras will NOT PREVENT anything. They will only show what happened AFTER the fact. Just like the event recorder and the outward facing cameras.

I would of thought they'd have them already.

I drive from con-way freight, we have camera's in all of our trucks. One faces forwards one faces the driver. I like to think the camera is my friend, that it's there to protect me, as everyone always blames the truck driver for accidents. It will record 8 seconds during an incident. Had a shock meter in it, if you hit the brakes to hard, turn to sharp or any type of shock it will go off. We will also be "coached" for when the camera shows we are following to close, no seatbelts, using a hand held device etc. I like it.

Amtrak's alittle behind the curve on this

I drive from con-way freight, we have camera's in all of our trucks. One faces forwards one faces the driver. I like to think the camera is my friend, that it's there to protect me, as everyone always blames the truck driver for accidents. It will record 8 seconds during an incident. Had a shock meter in it, if you hit the brakes to hard, turn to sharp or any type of shock it will go off. 

 

LOL! IS this "Drivecam"? I had that when I worked for Boston Coach Limo Service. In the end, It did make me a Better driver Professionally and Personally. I am considering installing one in my vehicles too! Heck Europe has them and Asia has them too.

Yes drivecam.

I agree makes me a better driver. I tend to be less aggressive. I'm more careful what I do in fear of being "coached" haha. I don't follow as close, try not to make rolling stops, and am careful on exit ramps.

I'm sure that engineers will be more careful knowing that what they do could bite them in the *** if it were on camera.

There is a camera system in the engineroom of the ship I work on. I forget how long back it can go, I think somewhere in the 24-36 hr range. The wheelhouse also has motion detectors with alarm system, and a recorder that has a feed from all the navigation equipment as well. In the end, if you are doing your job how it is suppose to be done, it can only protect you. Yea, when I first started working there is was a little weird, but now I don't even notice them.

I suppose the cameras are a good thing but.... I'm  sure most railroaders ,at least the ones on this forum, take a little pride in their job and would want to give the best ride possible . Almost like having  a baby on board. no jerky stops and smooth running. Am I dreaming? don't think so.

The DriveCam is what we have in the crew vans and company vehicles. The cab cameras are recording non-stop in a continuous loop. Just like the event recorders. The outward facing cameras can NOT be monitored, the footage has to be pulled. Rumor is the inward facing cab cameras will be able to be monitored, although random. There are far to many engines and trains to monitor every one 24/7.  So do your job, follow the rules, and you have nothing to worry about.

As well as Russia. But it doesn't seem to put much of a dent in their vehicle accident rate

 

---PCJ