Letter: Quiet zones don't work but we should leave them to federal agency

Nicholas Schaus, Vero Beach

Letter: Quiet zones don't work but we should leave them to federal agency

The Treasure Coast does not need "Quiet, No Whistle Zones" along the Florida East Coast rail line. The reason? It will be a matter of when, not if, the Federal Railroad Administration will change its whistle/horn rule as a result of the inevitable rail crossing catastrophe that is certain to occur once 110-mph trains begin blasting through hundreds of at-grade rail crossings.

An accident that scatters bodies over curbs and gutters will prove that "quiet zones" do not work. Union Pacific Railroad believes "quiet zones" are a public risk, but will install them if asked by municipalities.

Rail accidents have historically been the cause of FRA regulation changes. This pattern will continue. "Positive train control" has been touted as the ultimate railroad life protector. After years of development, it is only partially in place and not tested. The U.S. railroads are asking Congress to extend the deadline for its installation for three more years to 2018; and then a two-year improvement period.