Protection Need at Crossings
January 22, 1928
The two railroad crossings most used in Lassen County are the one on Richmond Road near the Southern Pacific depot in Susanville and what is known as the Brockman crossing about three miles east of town. Repeated accidents have happened at both of these crossings, and both have taken their toll of human life.
Other accidents will follow, and it is time for better protection both for the public and the railroad company at these points.
Of course, it makes no difference what safety devices are installed or how much care is exercised, some careless or foolish person will disregard them and get hurt. But that is no argument for failing to install devices that will protect the average user of the crossings.
The traffic at the Richmond Road crossing probably does not require the constant employment of a watchman and the installment of gates, but it does seem that apart time watchman could be employed and be on duty when regular trains are scheduled.
This would still leave the crossing unprotected when it was being used by switch engines and trains not on the regular schedule, but it would help.
Because of the angle at which the road crosses the tracks, the Brockman crossing is more dangerous than the Richmond crossing. A driver must turn and look almost directly behind him to see a train approaching in the same direction in which he is travelling.
This condition should have been avoided when the crossing was installed, but it has existed ever since the railroad was built into Susanville and would involve considerable expense and trouble to change.
An electric alarm can certainly be installed at both of these crossings and this should be done at once.
