Train derailments have become a persistent problem in recent years, with increasing incidents of derailment reported globally. The devastating effects of train accidents cannot be overlooked, as they cause significant economic, environmental, and social damages.
Over the past decade, the Department of Transportation has reported over 12,400 train derailments, with hazardous materials involved in about 6,600 incidents. However, derailments account for less than 1% of fatalities in railroad incidents, with trespassing and vehicle collisions being more common causes, according to Eno analysis.
In terms of recent derailments, there have been several incidents across the US, although there were no hazardous materials involved in some cases and no injuries reported in others.
Train derailments can occur due to a variety of factors, and official reports and investigations have identified numerous published causes of train derailment. In this article, we’ll examine the various reasons why trains are derailing and the solutions that can be adopted to mitigate the problem.
Here are some of the most commonly reported reasons why there are so many train derailments:
Why do train derail?
- Because of Human Error: Mistakes made by train operators, maintenance personnel, and other staff can lead to derailments. For instance, a train driver may exceed the speed limit or fail to adhere to signal instructions, leading to a derailment. Similarly, maintenance personnel may overlook potential faults in the train’s brakes, wheels, or tracks, leading to disastrous consequences.
- Infrastructure Problems: Issues with the railway infrastructure, including worn-out tracks, weak bridges, and other structural deficiencies, can lead to derailments. If the tracks are not well-maintained or have not been inspected properly, it can increase the risk of derailment. Similarly, if the bridge or other infrastructure is not strong enough to handle the weight of the train or is affected by natural disasters such as floods, it can lead to derailments.
- Equipment Failure: Malfunctions of critical parts of the train, including brakes, wheels, and axles, can also lead to derailments. Any malfunction of a critical part, such as a brake, axle, or wheel, can lead to derailment accidents. Manufacturers must ensure that their equipment meets all safety standards to avoid accidents caused by equipment failure.
- Weather Conditions: Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, and ice can make tracks slippery, reducing traction and increasing the likelihood of derailment. In addition, extreme weather conditions can also damage railway infrastructure, leading to derailments.
- Sabotage and Terrorism: Acts of sabotage or terrorism, including deliberate damage to railway infrastructure or trains, can also cause train derailments. Terrorists may target trains carrying hazardous materials or high-profile individuals, leading to derailment accidents. Similarly, sabotage by disgruntled employees, criminals, or extremists can also cause train derailments.
- Overloading and Overspeeding: Trains that are overloaded or operated at high speeds beyond the recommended limits can lead to derailments. Overloading puts extra strain on the train’s wheels and axles, and if the weight is not distributed evenly, it can cause the train to derail. Similarly, trains that are operated at high speeds can put extra stress on the track, which can cause it to warp or bend, leading to derailments.
- Improper Maintenance: Poor maintenance practices that can result in mechanical failure and derailments. Regular maintenance of railway infrastructure and equipment is crucial to avoid derailments. If maintenance is not carried out, it can lead to wear and tear of equipment, which can result in a mechanical failure.
Preventive measures
To prevent train derailments, various measures can be adopted, including:
- Regular maintenance of railway infrastructure and equipment.
- Strict adherence to safety protocols and regulations by all railway staff.
- Improved training and education for railway staff to reduce human error.
- Adoption of advanced technologies such as predictive maintenance, IoT, and artificial intelligence to detect faults and prevent accidents.
- Implementation of strict regulations and penalties for substance abuse and fatigue among train drivers and other staff.
- Improved emergency response plans and procedures to reduce the impact of accidents.
- Increased security measures to prevent sabotage and terrorism on railways.
Rail operators and regulatory bodies will have to implement various safety measures to reduce the risk of train derailments.
These measures include regular maintenance of tracks and equipment, speed restrictions, and the use of advanced technologies such as positive train control (PTC) systems.
Also, when a train derailment occurs, regulatory bodies should conduct thorough investigations to determine the cause of the accident.
These investigations can lead to recommendations for improving safety measures and preventing future accidents. The results of these investigations are made public and can be used to inform policy decisions.
Ultimately, a strong safety culture is essential to prevent train derailments. This includes a commitment to safety from all staff members, adherence to safety protocols and guidelines, and regular training and education for staff members.
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Remarks
Train derailments are a significant problem that can have devastating consequences. To prevent derailments, it’s crucial to identify the various causes and adopt measures that address the root cause of the problem. By prioritizing safety and investing in advanced technologies, railway companies can reduce the risk of derailment accidents and ensure the safety of their staff, passengers, and the environment.
