Text messaging leads to Boston trolley collision

As yet more proof that text messaging while driving a vehicle is just plain dangerous, a trolley collision in Boston today has been blamed on the trolley conductor’s irresponsible text messaging habits. The MBTA trolley rear-ended another trolley in downtown Boston, sending 49 people to the hospital and injuring 100 people in total. The collision forced the MBTA to close down the Government Center Station.

The 24-year old trolley conductor was apparently busy sending text messages to his girlfriend when he missed a red light and slammed his trolley into the back of another. The speed at the time of impact isn’t yet known, but the force of the crash derailed both trolleys and pushed the front-most trolley 100 feet forward. Some commuters were trapped under the twisted metal, needing saws and excavation equipment for their rescue.

It’s unclear if the trolley conductor will lose his job. According to MBTA policy, however, text messaging on the job is grounds for dismissal. And, the MBTA general manager was quoted as saying that he was struggling “to contain my outrage.” So, it’s probably safe to assume that this particular trolley conductor isn’t going to have a job for much longer.

The Boston trolley accident highlights the growing dangers of texting while driving. Regardless of the vehicle, text messaging while on the road is too distracting to be safe. Put down that phone, people! No text message is important enough to risk an accident, or worse.

[Via: BostonGlobe]