A bill to require trains to carry two person crews has narrowly failed in the North Dakota House.
It was introduced after some railroads proposed one person crews. And the sponsors were worried about safety – especially in light of some major train derailments that happened near Casselton and Larimore.
"We have sort of anecdotal, theoretical evidence that it could help under certain circumstances, but we don't really know," said Rep. Rick Becker (R-Bismarck), who spoke against the bill. "There are no examples, not a single one, where a second crew member specifically did in helping save lives."
However the bill’s main sponsor – Rep. Wayne Trotter (R-Northwood) – says having two person crews makes sense.
"Recently, in Ottawa, with their big train wreck with oil cars -- they had one man on the crew," said Trottier. "Immediately, Canada adopted a two man crew rule. I think it's common sense, and safety."
46 House members voted for the bill, and 45 voted against it. It needed 48 to pass.