Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) yesterday became a cosponsor of legislation to improve safety at railroad crossings.

The bill, the Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Act of 2015, provides states and communities with more resources to reduce collisions at crossings where railroads meet roads, such as the site of the recent Metrolink accident in Oxnard, Calif.

“My thoughts are with those injured in the Metrolink accident in Oxnard and I wish them a speedy recovery,” Feinstein said. “I look forward to the results of the investigation so we can determine how best to prevent such collisions in the future.”

Feinstein continued: “I believe the Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Act is a step in the right direction. It authorizes funding to install better warning systems at rail crossings and to separate rail crossings from roadways. This is just one of many rail safety initiatives we must pursue. Others include Positive Train Control and emergency preparedness for oil traveling by rail. We must take action to reduce deaths and injuries on our railways.”

The legislation was introduced by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).

###