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http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/09/15/train.collision/index.html
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lisab said:It's hard to believe that the safety of all the passengers depends on one guy noticing one light. What if he has a medical emergency...or even something not that serious, like a fit of sneezes?
Is this how all trains in the US run...with no "plan B" if the engineer messes up? Yikes!
The NTSB for decades has recommended collision-avoidance devices for corridors where passenger and freight trains use the same track. Railroads say the technology costs too much and isn't reliable.
A story a few days ago indicated that the teens had somehow befriended the engineering, and they had asked questions about train operations and so on. I knew some engineers when I was younger, but I'd never would interfere with the operation of a train.Evo said:How did these teenagers get this "engineer's" cell phone number? How old was this engineer?
mgb_phys said:If it's anything like the UK. A warning system was invented for Brunel's Great Western Railway and first fitted in 1906, it sounds an alarm and puts on the brakes if you pass a red signal - it became mandatory after a bad accident in 1997!
91 years is a pretty quick response for British Rail.
I think I read though they went for the cheaper system (TPWS) which doesn't work for trains traveling faster than 70 MPH as opposed to the more expensive (ATP) system which works for trains traveling up to 200 MPH.mgb_phys said:If it's anything like the UK. A warning system was invented for Brunel's Great Western Railway and first fitted in 1906, it sounds an alarm and puts on the brakes if you pass a red signal - it became mandatory after a bad accident in 1997!
91 years is a pretty quick response for British Rail.
The train was going 42 MPH.Art said:I think I read though they went for the cheaper system (TPWS) which doesn't work for trains traveling faster than 70 MPH as opposed to the more expensive (ATP) system which works for trains traveling up to 200 MPH.
I wasn't commenting on this specific instance just that the UK system is not entirely foolproof but certainly a hell of a lot better than having none.Evo said:The train was going 42 MPH.
Before the UK introduced their fail-safe system a report found trains were running 600 red lights a year which is pretty scary.edward said:There is a mix and match of overhead signal bridges, track side signal s, and semaphores used in this country. Different companies use different signals.
I have a friend who retired from CSX a few years ago. He was an operating engineer. His biggest gripe was the mix of signals and how they varied. It is not unusual to run on a rail line owned by another company. There are a lot more than just stop or go signals.
Below is just a sample.
http://modratec.com/mud_sig02.php
lisab said:It's hard to believe that the safety of all the passengers depends on one guy noticing one light.
Texting while driving a train can be extremely dangerous as it diverts the operator's attention away from the controls and the track. This can lead to collisions, derailments, and other accidents that can harm passengers and cause damage to the train.
Texting while driving a train is considered a form of distracted driving because it takes the operator's focus away from the task of operating the train safely. It requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention, which can all impact the operator's ability to make split-second decisions and respond to potential hazards.
The consequences of texting while driving a train can be severe and life-threatening. They can include injuries or fatalities to passengers and crew, damage to the train and surrounding property, and legal repercussions for the operator. It can also have a significant impact on the operator's mental and emotional well-being.
Yes, there are laws and regulations in place that prohibit texting while driving a train. In the United States, the Federal Railroad Administration has a strict ban on the use of electronic devices while operating a train. Violation of this rule can result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the operator's license.
To prevent texting while driving a train, it is crucial to educate operators on the dangers and consequences of distracted driving. Employers can also implement policies and procedures that prohibit the use of electronic devices while operating a train and provide alternative communication methods for emergencies. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the operator to prioritize safety and refrain from texting while driving a train.