Remote-Controlled Trains Cause Concern

Union Pacific Railroad has delivered two remote-controlled freight trains here despite concerns by railroad engineers, who cited numerous accidents and deaths caused by the technology.

The trains, used in switching yards to move railroad cars and link up trains, are moved with a control panel worn around the neck. Engineers aboard a locomotive traditionally control a train’s movement. Engineers say the method is dangerous because remote operators may not be able to see people in a train’s path from where they stand.