Trolley Driver Accused Of Texting Indicted

[BadOrderKing]

Originally Posted by 70Ace

By the way the question was have anyone one used their phone while on moving equipment? Have you or have you not? Voice or not cell phone use is cell phone use. Txting or voice they are both distractions!

I may not have clear enough.

Our rule prohibits the use of any electronic device (ie:cell phones), exception being a company issued radio, while on moving equipment or in a red zone. If these things dont apply, you are aloud to use it for business matters only and for voice only.

I see what you are saying and yes, we all have broke a rule or two. Hell, I talk on my phone while driving my car. If I have a wreck while doing so, I fully expect to have my ass handed to me in court. However, cell phone use while driving in LA is not illegal.

The next time you drive anything, golf cart, lawn mower, tractor, try texting and paying atention to whats going on around you. Then answer a call, hold the phone to your ear and talk. Tell me if they are both equally distracting.

[70Ace]

I may not have been clear enough. I'm talking about while at work for the railroad on a moving locomotive. Did say they were equally distracting said they both were. Both can cause an accident, and both have caused accidents. While at work, on moving locomotive, have you ever used your cell phone? I am referring to breaking rail road rules.

[BadOrderKing]

Originally Posted by 70Ace

I may not have been clear enough. I'm talking about while at work for the railroad on a moving locomotive! Did say they were equally distracting said they both were. Both can cause an accident, and both have caused accidents. While at work, on moving locomotive, have you ever used your cell phone? I am referring to breaking rail road rules.

No, actually I havent. In my short two years, I have not been in a situation where I had anything to say to anyone in these conditions that could not be said on the radio.

Haved I used my phone at work while it was against the rules? Well of course. However, I have never been on my phone when my attention should be totally on the movement of cars.

I wouldnt dare expect simpathy if I were moving cars in the shop and run over my ground man or someone else becasue I was on the damn phone. It can easily happen and I know better. So does everyone else.

[70Ace]

My point is all of you are braking rules, and you get second chances. this guy made a horrible mistake and he will be punished. However his life should not be ruined, yes he hurt people, so he should pay. But she should be allowed to learn from his mistake, and be able to start over.

[rrbob]

But she should be allowed to learn from his mistake, and be able to start over

Are you a little gender confused, Ace?

[70Ace]

Nope that was a typo.

[eight3six]

I too have never used my mobile phone while on the job. In the yard it stays in the car, on the road it stays in my grip turned off. I dont need to talk to people when I'm trying to do my job, and getting caught would just not be worth it to put others lives in danger along with mine. Wait to send that goofy picture message of your nutbag stretched to the knee or whathaveyou untill a later time, it can wait I promise.

[BadOrderKing]

Ace, Im not trying to be an ass about this. Im really not. Its just tha if you are doing something that puts others life in danger and you have already been made aware of the rule and law and the cases of it causing death previously........... Hell, what else does it take?
how many times does it have to happen and how many people have to be hurt or killed before someone is held accountable?

Comparing the braking of minor rules to ones that put the public and your fellow railroaders(me and you) in immediate danger is not even close.

[jonnyseeandoh]

I hate to do it but I have to agree, for if we are going to nip this in the bud, somebody has to be Mr Bad Example.

[gadget]

Originally Posted by 70Ace

I understand what he did, and he should be punished not saying he shouldn't. But to say throw the book at him for a mistake i do not feel is right. Punish the guy, and yes he hurt innocent people but lets not ruin his life. Let him get a second chance.

Ace, A mistake is forgetting to give a car count or forgetting to slow down for a slow order. Texting is a WILLFUL VIOLATION that got innocent people hurt. This moron should be made an example of Plain and simple!!!