After Teen's Death, NJT's 'Another Train Coming' Warning System Aims At Keeping Pedestrians Safe
GARFIELD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A new rail safety system has been put in place at a NJ TRANSIT station in Garfield that officials hope will prevent future injuries or death to people crossing the tracks.
NJ TRANSIT unveiled the new warning system, that includes both signs and audio, at the Plauderville Station on Friday.
1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg reports
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It activates when two trains are approaching the crossing -- displaying and sounding the message "DANGER, Another Train Coming."
The installation of the new safety devices is part of an ongoing effort to improve pedestrian safety around train tracks after 13-year-old Michael Cabaj was hit and killed by a train near the Plauderville Station last year.
The seventh grader was struck by an oncoming train he didn't see when he went under the crossing gates after another train had passed.
"This tragedy was something that really hit our community very, very hard," said City Manager Tom Duch.
State Transportation Commissioner Jim Simpson said cameras have also been put in place to watch pedestrians to see if the new safety measures work.
If so, officials will install more at NJT crossings around the state.
WCBS 880's Levon Putney reports
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"It is our strong hope that the signs will stop people in their tracks and choose a safer course of action than ducking under an activated gray crossing warning gate," he said.
But Simpson is also asking adults to be better role models around track crossings.
"Don't be the reason some kid thought it was OK to duck under a gate," he said.
The "Another Train Coming" warning system was funded by the state and cost around $83,000, officials said. The system has also been installed at the Outwater Lane grade crossing adjacent to the Plauderville station.
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