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some reckless driver, who is more willing to risk these dangers, will be able to keep better time; and if one man can keep good time, others are naturally expected to do the same, until they meet with a sad disaster. I have heard engine-drivers complain bitterly of their inability to see these signals in foggy weather as they pass them.
What I advise under such circumstances is this,—place another signal arm with lamp upon the post, about the same height as the driver on his engine, and let them work together. Engine-drivers would thus be enabled to see how the signals stood under any circumstances, even in cases where the lights are blown out by the wind. I would observe that all extra arms, locking bolts and bars, add additional labours to the signalman’s already responsible duties; but never mind that; shorten his hours, increase his pay, and give him all the help possible in the busy seasons of the year, and he will willingly submit to any additional labour, so long as it is for the protection of the travelling public, for the safer railway travelling is made the better he is himself protected.
Accidents caused through broken Springs, Axles, and Tires.
It is an undoubted fact that many accidents are occasioned by the breaking of springs, axles, and tires of vehicles. These may be traced to the following causes—namely, violent shunting, bad joints in the rails, the great length and weight of trains, and fast travelling. I have had many opportunities of witnessing the violent manner in which shunting is often performed, and I am sure that this occasions very many railway accidents. I have seen vehicles “fly shunted” one against the other with so much violence as to cause some of them to jump off the rails, and upon such occasions the rust, or old paint, may be noticed flying from the springs or axles in clouds, showing plainly what great shocks they sustain. I have even seen springs snap clean into two parts under these
