After recent reports labeled Brightline the "nation's deadliest train line," the company announced it will intensify its suicide prevention efforts. Brightline President Patrick Goddard says the suicides affect train conductors and engineers too. He says workers need emotional counseling and support and it takes a toll on his employees.
The company announced it is making a $150,000 contribution to the 2-1-1 suicide prevention hotline in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. Goddard also voiced his support for a bill in Tallahassee that would add an additional $500,000 in hotline funding.
Since the summer of 2017, 40 people have died on Brightline tracks between Miami and West Palm Beach, mostly by suicide. The company is currently extending the rail system to Orlando International Airport.
Goddard says there are technological improvements that can be made too. The company is looking into adding new fencing in some locations. They are also researching the use of drones with cameras that can survey the tracks. An infrared system is also being considered to detect human activity along some parts of the track.
Goddard believes that a community approach is needed to address all the issues that lead people to commit "suicide by train."
Image courtesy Getty