Taipei Times
Date: May 03, 2017
By: Shelley Shan / Staff reporter

The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) has only sought compensation in about 15 percent of the 516 deadly railway accidents between 2012 and last year caused by negligence by members of the public, a report published by the legislature’s Budget Center said.

The majority of the accidents were caused by people who ignored traffic signals when passing over railway tracks or railway crossings, but the TRA only sought compensation in 79 cases.

Although the TRA has procedures in place that allow it to hold trespassers legally accountable, it has failed to prevent railway accidents from happening and curb disruptive behaviors, the report said.

To reduce the number of accidents, the TRA should work on improving railway facilities, enhancing safety mechanisms and raising penalties against people who ignore traffic signals, the report said.    [FULL  STORY]