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In addition to the cab signals displayed in the operating compartment, an amber light on the speedometer indicates the maximum permitted speed for each block condition. The light is extinguished for a red cab signal and it flashes to 15 mph for a flashing red cab signal. Anytime the maximum allowable speed is exceeded, the overspeed control will sound an audible tone, and if the operator does not begin to reduce the speed of his train within 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 seconds, the train will be stopped automatically with a full service brake application. When the cineston is placed in the B-2 or B-3 positions, the audible tone is silenced, or if the cineston is in one of these positions when an overspeed occurs, the alarm does not sound. No alarm sounded when the cab signal changed to a less favorable indication as the Lake-Dan Ryan train entered the Randolph Street Station because the train was in a braking mode.
The ATC restricts speed to 15 mph on the Wabash and Lake curve when the track ahead is clear or for a red block condition. A Speed board further restricts speed to 10 mph on the curve. The speed board Supersedes the ATC because it specifies the most restrictive speed. The motorman of the Lake-Dan Ryan train did not testify that he did not know of the speed board's significance, but only that in one point of power, he could not exceed 15 mph on a flashing red cab signal.
The CTA's book of operating rules in effect on the day of the accident was revised and reissued to employees during 1969-1970.[1] Changes to the operating rules or procedures are issued in the form of bulletins which are posted at crew registering points. Crewmembers are required to acknowledge, by initialling a "responsibility log," their reading and understanding only of such posted bulletins that are considered critical or complex. In some instances, where changes are felt to be complex or of a critical nature, supervisory personnel will contact motormen individually and instruct them on the bulletins. The motorman of the Lake-Dan Ryan train signed the "responsibility log" for bulletin 5-511-76 on December 11, 1976.
The CTA employs roving instructors and inspectors who monitor the performance of operating employees during scheduled main track service. Rules violations are reported to the crewmembers' supervisors and corrective action is taken either by a reprimand and re-instruction in the rule violated or by a suspension. The CTA records approximately 8,000 supervisory checks monthly. Mandatory followup refresher training is not provided to CTA employees after they finish their initial training, except when they are reinstructed because of a rule violation.
- ↑ The CTA issued a new operating rules book effective June 8, 1977.
