Railroad accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Pedestrians who trespass on railway property, drivers who ignore warning signs and try to beat the train across a crossing, and mechanical failure are just some of the causes of railway mishaps. However, many rail accidents can be avoided. Here are some of the most common causes of train collisions and ways to prevent them.
Obstruction
Train accidents, such as vehicles or pedestrians, often involve obstructions on the railroad tracks. These obstructions can result in collisions between trains, derailments and injuries to those on the train or those nearby. Accidents can occur if foreign objects are left on or near the track. For example, equipment like backhoes are often parked on railway tracks and may block the path of an approaching train. It is why all workers and construction crews must follow railroad safety rules. Finally, accidents can happen if someone intentionally steps before a moving train. This wrongful act risks people’s lives and is against federal regulations. It’s important to carefully investigate all incidents and determine who is responsible for the accident to recover damages. A lawyer could look into injury claims made against train operators. You may learn more about the options and process of hiring a train accident lawyer from https://www.killianlaw.com/.
Human Error
One of the most frequent reasons for train accidents is human mistakes. Even when the railway company, train operators and employees follow all safety procedures, people can make mistakes. For example, pedestrians and drivers may need to look before crossing the tracks or trespassing on private property. They can also step before a train or try to beat it across the crossing, leading to a deadly collision.
In addition, railway workers can be influenced by rushing to get their work done or working under pressure. It can lead to fatigue, distraction and a lack of focus. It’s important that rail supply workers understand what contributes to human error and take steps to prevent it. It can include proper training, better communication and safeguards to help keep everyone safe. Also, rail employees should always wear protective gear like hard hats and eyewear to reduce the risk of injury.
Equipment Failure
Equipment failure is another significant factor contributing to railroad accidents. This type of failure typically involves malfunctions in the train’s internal systems, such as braking mechanisms, signal systems, or communication devices. For example, if a train’s braking system fails, it may not stop in time to avoid an obstruction or other hazard on the tracks, potentially resulting in a collision or derailment. Signal system failures can lead to miscommunication between trains or prevent operators from receiving crucial information about track conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents. To minimize equipment failure, regular inspections, maintenance, and upgrades are essential. Railroad companies should prioritize the upkeep of critical systems and ensure that all equipment complies with safety standards. Also, investing in high-quality equipment is equally crucial, as there are many safety improvements that the right rail equipment can do for depot operations which makes them invaluable and can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Additionally, safety protocols should include contingency plans to manage unexpected equipment malfunctions, which can be lifesaving in emergency situations.
Track Problems
Trains are massive machines with numerous moving parts and complex systems, so they must be carefully maintained to operate safely. Sometimes, however, a malfunctioning part or mechanical failure can cause a train accident. Obstruction is another common cause of railroad accidents. Foreign objects that get left on the tracks or at crossings can block the path of a train and even derail it. It takes a lot of time and distance for a high-speed train to stop, so they can be killed if someone is standing or crossing the tracks at the wrong time. Railroad companies should monitor the condition of their tracks and ensure safety mechanisms are in place. The Department of Transportation should also get involved when a safety concern is recognized, and changes in railroad protocols are needed. The Amtrak 188 train crash, for example, created a firestorm over the need to implement positive train control (PTC) technology to prevent similar disasters in the future.
Mechanical Failure
Trains carry large amounts of hazardous cargo. This dangerous material can spill on the ground and cause serious injuries to people and animals. This type of accident can be prevented by ensuring that rail workers have proper safety training. It includes on-the-job training and classroom instruction on switch operations, hand signals, and recognizing and responding to track defects. Several railroad accidents are caused by mechanical failures such as broken wheels, welds and bearings, and malfunctioning axle and journal parts. These issues can result in derailments, injuries, and property damage. Many railroad accidents involve vehicles colliding with trains or other smaller objects at road crossings. It often occurs when the car’s driver disregards warning signs and signals or tries to beat a train across the tracks. When a vehicle is struck by a train, the accident can be fatal for everyone involved. For this reason, it is crucial to always look both ways before driving across the tracks.
