Failing Eyesight Probable Factor In Goodwell Train Collision

Federal officials say a train drivers’ failing eyesight was the probable cause of a fiery train crash that killed three people in the Oklahoma Panhandle last year.

The National Transportation Safety Board voted 5-0 at a meeting Tuesday in Washington to formally adopt the cause of the June 24 accident near the town of Goodwell.

Investigators also proposed 16 new safety recommendations to curb future accidents. Those include more frequent medical exams for employees in safety-sensitive jobs and the development of a peer-to-peer program that encourages workplace safety.

Dr. Mary Pat McKay told the agency that the driver of the eastbound train had complained that his eyesight fluctuated from day to day. McKay says the driver couldn’t always distinguish between the red and green lights of trackside signals.