One of the great joys of my childhood was playing along the railroad tracks with my friends. We'd love to lay pennies on the tracks for the trains to smash, and nothing comes close to the thrill of all that rumbling power passing just feet away. Our parents did not approve of this activity, but they did teach us the simple rule of Stop, Look, and Listen. It is obvious from this article ("Girl's death ratchets up debate on rail safety," Jan. 10) that this rule was not followed and tragedy was the result. No amount of corporate responsibility can replace that simple rule of personal responsibility.

David Plaut, Reisterstown

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