Riding the 'safety train'

Newspaper reporters have a hard time resisting "ride-along" stories, whether it's in a police car or paramedic truck -- or an Amtrak train. Which is why an Amtrak engineer was able to get badly needed publicity about the dangers of walking near train tracks.

A San Francisco Chronicle reporter rode with the engineer, Kevin Gniadek, and got a real-world view from the cab on the Amtrak train:

Shortly after Gniadek pulled out from the Richmond Amtrak Station, a man was spotted walking just to the right of the tracks, never flinching as the engineer honked his horn several times.

A photographer, Paul Chinn, rode along, as well, helping to illustrate the experience.

Other transit systems might also want to invite reporters along on rides on buses and/or trains, especially when safety is an issue.

You can read the Chronicle article here. The Oakland Tribune also sent a reporter, who filed this article.

Until next time.

Steve