What Odds Favor Train Crash Survivors?

Question

I'd like to know where best odds favor seating aboard passenger trains. Nearest engines? Train middle? End passenger car? Assumed numbers about safety odds have been crunched during review of all records attending previous accidents to show injury to be least evident in three general choices listed? If reader has been aboard in train accident tell me your approximate car location.

Answer 1

You are misinformed about Amtrak accidents and the technology used on Amtrak trains.  

The bridge impact was not Amtrak at all, but a tragic high speed rail accident in Germany which stands as a monument to human mistake.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eschede_tra...

Both a passenger and an onboard staff failed to stop the 125mph train when they became aware of a sudden problem with the suspension.  Further, the front of the train was inexplicably able to continue on for miles after losing its back half. Any American train would have gone into "emergency" immediately.

European high speed rail equipment lightweight and lacks structural strength to protect the passengers in an accident.  Such a train is called "noncompliant" in the U.S. - illegal to operate among normal equipment.  This ICE was going 125 mph, or the same speed as Metroliners, LRCs, and AEM7/Amfleet all of which are compliant.  So by my thinking, there is no reason for the ICE not to be compliant.

The second accident you mention was the Sunset Limited disaster of 1993

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Bayou_C...

the likes of which had not happened in 35 years

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newark_Bay_...

However, if you conclude from these spectacular incidents that passenger rail travel is unsafe, then your methodology would be faulty.  You would be neglecting the routine and continuous carnage that happens in other transportation modes, too often to be newsworthy.

Answer 2

One seat is as good as the other.

Head-on crash or rear end-er rules out front and rear.  If in a derailment the cars can scatter at any spot in the train, ruling out the in between.  A sideswipe is also a possibility.

But, closing speed at impact in the event of a head-on collision is more destructive than a rear end collision.  In addition, with the high number of grade crossing accidents, which are also a great danger where derailments are concerned, the head end of the train is what is going to make contact.  So, we'll leave the front out of the equation.

Bottom line, we all will be at the appointed place and time of our demise, at His discretion.  So, quit worrying and, if you survive the trip to the passenger station, climb aboard...  

(More toward the rear, if it makes you feel any better...)

Answer 3

Perhaps you should discuss your fears with a pastor, counselor, or therapist.

In the meantime, just hop on and ride.