Derailments can be caused by collision, excessive speed, or damage to the rail or wheel system. Fatal derailments are rare but can be serious for passengers. Modern technology has improved safety, but faster trains increase the risk. In case of a derailment, remain calm and follow instructions.
A derailment occurs when a train or other track transportation device goes off its rail. These accidents can be serious and potentially fatal for passengers on the train, as well as at the scene of the derailment. Several factors can cause derailments, such as collision, improper speed, or damage to the rail.
Unfortunately, fatal derailments are part of the history of trains, although accidents are rare. Derailments on passenger trains tend to cause more injuries and deaths. Many experts cite the derailment of a French troop train in 1917 as the worst in history; More than five hundred are believed to have died when a train left the tracks near a tunnel mouth in Modane, France. Although modern technology has improved safety systems and specific safety regulations are imposed on most train lines, trains in the 21st century travel much faster than previous systems, making derailments possibly more dangerous for passengers.
A possible cause of derailment is damage to or breakdown of the track or wheel system. Rails can break in extremely cold weather or erode over time. If the wheels hit the track badly, it can create “wheel burn” in the rail, which can lead to weakening or cracking in the track. Fortunately for rail travel, modern technology has vastly improved track durability and safety, as well as created extensive security systems on board trains.
Collision can be another important factor in causing derailment. Grazing animals can wander onto the tracks, causing a possible accident. Storms can push debris like branches onto the tracks, which can be difficult to see until the train is too close to avoid a collision. While collisions don’t always cause a derailment, the simple physics of an accelerating train hitting a stationary object creates considerable potential for one to occur. Derailments can also occur when the train driver tries to stop suddenly to avoid a collision.
Although damage, injury, and death can occur even with slow-moving trains, catastrophic damage becomes more likely with faster trains. A leading cause of derailments is excessive speed, especially around dangerous curves. In many countries, train speed is strictly and carefully controlled, but crashes and derailments have been known to occur due to speeding.
In the event of a train derailment, it is important to remain calm and act quickly. Listen to all announcements and instructions given by the driver. If the surrounding terrain is safe, exit the train through an emergency exit or window if necessary. Contact emergency personnel and tell emergency workers the location of seriously injured passengers.
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