LANSING – The Michigan House today passed a plan sponsored by State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) that will require whistle post signs to be installed on Michigan railroads before public crossings. Designated by a large "W", whistle post signs remind engineers to sound their whistle as a warning as they approach a public road crossing.
"Train accidents are among the most violent accidents we see, and my plan will go a long way to prevent such tragedies," Ebli said. "Whistle post signs are critical to alerting train conductors when they are nearing a public crossing. Without them – especially in poor weather – train conductors may have no idea they are approaching a public road crossing. This simple rule change will help properly notify conductors of upcoming railroad crossings and ensure the safety and well-being of our residents."
Engineers are required to begin sounding their whistles when they are a quarter-mile away from a crossing, but language specifically requiring whistle post signs to be posted was removed during a rewrite of federal regulations. Many feel removing the language potentially puts residents in a dangerous situation.
With Ebli's plan one step closer to becoming law, Michigan joins 20 other states that have begun adopting their own whistle stop requirements, which have been absent since 2005.
"While the majority of railroads in Michigan have adequately maintained their signs, unfortunately some have not," Ebli said. "With well over 5,000 public crossings statewide, this is an enormous safety concern for all of our residents. I am extremely grateful my colleagues in the House recognized the importance of this legislation."