Deep Thoughts, by bobberwatcher

I was reading this today: Commuter train engineer didn't apply brakes in fatal crash - CNN.com

Does anyone else see something wrong here??? The train crash was caused because the driver of the commuter train was text messaging??? WTH??? Seems this horrific tragedy is centered around text messaging. I say lets change the focus just a little bit and ask "WHY WERE THEY EVEN ON THE SAME TRACK?" It states in the article that one was going 40 and the other was at 42 mph and each had about 4-5 seconds to slam on the brakes. Does anyone actually think that in 4-5 seconds they could get stopped before the crash? Whatever happened to communication? Maybe he was texting and missed a red light or something a mile or two back while he was texting, however, they didn't mention that. They are focused on the seconds before the crash. This world would be alot different place if I ran it! :eek: :eek: :eek:

That's a terrible thing that happened. It seems like with all the technology available today that there could be a sensor that automatically shuts down the trains before a collision occurs.

I have had thoughts about this too. It is hard for me to think that the human factor is the only defense against an accident like this. Was there only one signal that told him he was about to crash? I agree; with all of the technology that uses GPS, there should have been some kind of alarm. Theoretically, I can't get lost no more driving my wife's new Tahoe. If I can tell it where I want to go, it can tell me how to get there and when I missed my turn. I know this stuff is in the new Choo Choos too.
DP

The crash most likely resulted due to the engineer missing a red signal. It's not common for 2 trains to be on the same track. They use passing sidings to allow for trains going opposite directions to pass one another. The engineer probably ran the signal informing him to stop on a passing siding to allow the freight train to pass. As for GPS units a lot of new locomotives have GPS technology installed but it is used primarily to track the positions of trains, not to control them. The only engines that have controls availible outside of the cab are a few experimental yard switchers that are controlled in close proximity with an operator close by. Much like a model train. As of right now all long haul freight and passenger trains can only be controlled from the cab of the locomotive by the engineer/crew. I would bet that in the future we will see some sort of computer controls that will be standard in locomotives. Sorry for the ramble just sharing what I know.

On a passenger train there is only one person on the controlling engine on a freight train there are two,the conductor and engineer.With two people in the cab one may see something the other person cant or didnt see.Would you beleive the nations largest railroads want only one person in the cab.the railroads already have the technology and are testing it.

I think everyone is on information overload. Too much information to process at one time. Texting requires concentration to the keyboard, spelling, composition, reading and sending. Driving requires concentration on the road (or tracks), informational signs, road markings, traffic, road conditions, speed, etc. The human brain just can't assimalate all that information at once. My neice, God bless her, was driving while texting. No suprise she smashed her car. But though the car was totaled, she crawlled out, unhurt and with her cell phone still in her hand. Go figure. Tight lines.