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BNSF Railway Co.'s locomotive-mounted camera program recently reached a milestone. The railroad installed the 2,000th camera on a locomotive at the Topeka, Kan., maintenance terminal.

Since 2005, new locomotives have been equipped with cameras. BNSF's retrofit program aims to add cameras to locomotives delivered prior to 2005.

The cameras record events leading up to grade crossing and train/pedestrian incidents. BNSF uses the recordings to confirm actions by train crew members who are sued as a result of accidents. The cameras also record the status and visibility of signal indications.

"We believe locomotive-mounted cameras are helping make BNSF a safer place to work by providing information on motorist and trespasser behavior," said Rick Lifto, assistant vice president of claims and leader of the locomotive camera team, in an item posted on the "BNSF News" Web site.

The Class I expects the 3,000th camera system to be installed on a locomotive by year's end.