DANGEROUS CROSSINGS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20706, 2 May 1929, Page 13

DANGEROUS CROSSINGS.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir. —Many accidents would be avoided at crossings if simple and inexpensive methods were adopted to prevent them. First, is it not time that red lights were erected at every crossing? What is the good oh a wild and stormy night of such signs, as “Stop! Look-out for the Enginesl ?' Let there be night signs. Secondly, there should be more continuous whistling of the engine when it is 100 yards or so from the crossing. I am positive that half of the accidents is caused through the mis-use of the, whistle, particularly when the train rushes out of a cutting on to a crossing. Many crossings are too''near cuttings. Thirdly, there should be three lights—brilliant lights—on the engine, and the centre light of any colour but white, to distinguish the engine in the distance from approaching motor cars, which run on roads parallel to the railway line. Fourthly, I think the bell should he used more extensively' on. the railway station. When Sir Joseph Ward, was. Minister of Railways, a five minutes bell ivas_ rung before a train started, and there was a final clang immediately before the train moved away from the station. It would not do a bit of harm to revive this system.—l am, etc,, . Hyacinth. April 20.