To the Editor:

The citizens of Guilderland (parents in particular) have always demanded the best for the children, schools, libraries, sports, playgrounds, emergency response, etc., etc.

The Altamont Enterprise & Albany County Post has in the last decade (at a minimum) taken a humanistic overview in its editorials.  Local events may initiate the editorial but the tone has been to reflect the common good.

So, how did the "On track for spring" picture page in the April 16 edition go to press with a picture of a "dangerous crime?”   A photograph of a village family walking on the railroad track. 

On what levels is this an issue? Rail property is private property.  The average track bed presents a surface that many people find difficult to walk on.  Children and pets have unusual responses to danger.  The noise (or lack thereof) and speed of a modern train often does not warn pedestrians in enough time to move to safety.

In 2012, four-hundred-and-forty-two pedestrians died by collision with trains; 405 were injured.  The average of pedestrian-versus-train deaths is 400 per year.  Crossing deaths (walking or driving perpendicularly across a track numbered about 260 in 2012. In the Capital District, there have been a number of deaths by train in the last few years, in particular people caught on a rail bridge. 

The section of track in the village of Altamont while low use is still active; most of the track in Guilderland is high use.  Much of this track is located in areas where walking is enjoyable.

I waited a week before sending this letter to see if any law enforcement agency, school, governmental agency, or rail company would comment.

Lou Domanico

Guilderland