Understanding vehicle-track interaction for safer railways

One of the Worst Train Disasters in Rail History The Santiago de Compostela train accident occurred on July 24, 2013, in the suburb of Angrois, about three kilometers from the Santiago de Compostela station. An Alvia train with eight carriages and two locomotives derailed with 222 people on board (218 passengers and 4 crew members), killing 79 people. The Santiago de Compostela train accident was mainly caused by a combination of human error and deficiencies in the safety system of the railway line. The triggering factor was the excessive speed of the train, which entered a dangerous curve at almost 124 mph, more than twice the speed limit. 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 - Excessive speed The Alvia 04155 train, a hybrid diesel-electric train, was approaching Santiago station from Madrid. At the entrance to the Angrois curve, where the speed limit was 80 km/h, the driver maintained a speed of approximately 190 km/h. The high centrifugal force caused the train to derail, overturning the cars and devastatingly disemboweling the carriages. - Absence of automatic braking The section of track where the derailment occurred was not covered by the ETCS (European Train Control System) high-speed safety system, which would have slowed or stopped the train automatically. The high-speed system stopped about 4 km before the curve, leaving speed management solely to the driver. - Driver error Investigations determined that the driver was distracted by a work-related phone call at the crucial moment of the maneuver, forgetting to apply the brakes necessary to safely negotiate the curve. - Known risks The same curve had already proven to be a potential risk point for excessive speed in the past, as demonstrated by a test of the inaugural section of the line, but no adequate corrective measures had been taken. Technological innovation in the railway sector is neutralizing the few threats that still undermine rail transport safety and will further minimize the chances of similar or minor events occurring. #TrainAccident #Derailment #Railway #Innovation

🚆 The Unsung Safety Hero of Freight Trains: The Multi-Tone Hooter When we think about railway safety, we often picture signals, brakes, and tracks; but there is also one small component that plays a big role in preventing accidents: the multi-tone hooter. Unlike a single-tone horn, a multi-tone hooter produces multiple frequencies at once, creating a loud, penetrating sound that’s hard to ignore, even in noisy industrial zones or rural areas. If you’ve ever stood near railway tracks and heard that deep, layered horn echoing through the air… that’s not just a sound; I t’s a lifesaver, and it’s one of the simplest yet most effective safety features on a freight train. Let me tell you why it matters 👇 Freight trains often move through remote areas, rural crossings, and industrial zones where visibility can be poor and level crossings unmanned. In these places, a few seconds of warning can mean the difference between safety and disaster. Unlike a regular horn that plays one note, a multi-tone hooter produces multiple frequencies at once, resulting in a sound so rich and sharp that it cuts through noise, fog, and distance. It warns pedestrians, alerts motorists, and even startles animals off the tracks. It’s a simple engineering choice, but one that carries an enormous impact. So the next time you hear a train’s multi-tone blast in the distance, remember: it’s not just the sound of steel and power moving across the land. It’s the sound of safety in motion. 🚨 #RailwaySafety #Transportation #FreightTrain #Engineering #SafetyInnovation #SearchingForMeaning

🚆 Railway Accident Prevention Project – A Step Towards Safer Tracks!🚆 Railway accidents have always been a serious concern often caused not by technical faults, but by communication barriers between the people crossing the railway tracks and the train pilots. To address this real-world challenge, our students have developed an innovative Railway Accident Prevention System that ensures two-way communication between the train and the trackside environment. 🔹 How it works: When a person or obstacle is detected on the railway track, an alert signal is instantly sent to the train pilot, allowing timely action. Similarly, warning messages or buzzers can be activated near the tracks to alert pedestrians of an approaching train. This project not only enhances safety but also builds awareness about how technology can save lives through smart communication systems. 💡 A small innovation today can prevent a big accident tomorrow! Proud of our young innovators for combining engineering, awareness, and empathy to make railway travel safer for everyone. #Innovation #STEM #TinkeringLab #RailwaySafety #AccidentPrevention #TechnologyForGood #SmartIndia #YoungInnovators

The Dutch Railway Company has introduced a new and innovative train track. What exciting improvements has your country made to its public transportation system?

📢 Pasha Hawaii's MV Jean Anne Becomes First Ro-Ro Vessel and Pure Car/Truck Carrier Commissioned for Shore Power in the U.S!   The Port of San Diego and Pasha Automotive Services have successfully commissioned a roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessel for shore power, marking a first-of-its kind achievement in the U.S. This milestone also marks the first-ever shore power connection for a domestic pure car/truck carrier, a ship designed exclusively for transporting vehicles.   “This milestone reflects Pasha and the Port’s joint commitment to sustainability and partnership,” said George Pasha, IV. “We invested in outfitting the Jean Anne and the Marjorie C earlier this year to enable shore power connections, and this successful commissioning is a meaningful step toward reducing emissions. We’re proud to collaborate with the Port of San Diego on this initiative and look forward to expanding shore power capabilities at the terminal.” 🌎   Read more: https://lnkd.in/gm9VaeZA #Sustainability #ShorePower #PashaPeople

King County International Airport has introduced the first Striker Volterra Electric ARFF vehicle in the U.S. built by Oshkosh Airport Products. This step marks a major move toward cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable airport operations. Read more here: https://ow.ly/QYso50XqVVH

As high-speed railway networks expand globally, they are becoming serious contenders to air and road travel – offering faster, more comfortable, and more reliable journeys. One of the most critical components in this equation is the rail fastener. These small yet powerful elements secure rails to sleepers, absorb dynamic forces, dampen vibrations, and maintain precise alignment – essential for preventing derailments and ensuring passenger safety. https://ow.ly/z04p50Xe7cl Subscribe to our newsletter: https://ow.ly/C8oO50PRZL3 #HighSpeedRail #RailInfrastructure #EngineeringInnovation #SmartMobility #RailFasteners #SustainableTransport

Why can't you stand near trains? It is extremely dangerous to stand near trains due to physical forces, the possibility of unexpected debris falling and the inability of trains to stop quickly. Safety experts recommend staying at least 2.40 meters away from the tracks. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲: ▪️ Air Pressure Changes (showed in the video below) A fast-moving train pushes a wave of air ahead of it and creates an area of lower air pressure (a "suction" effect, as per Bernoulli's principle) along its sides. The higher pressure air behind a person can push them toward the train, potentially causing them to fall onto the tracks or into the train's path. ▪️ Flying Debris Trains can kick up ballast (rocks), ice or other debris from the tracks, which can be hurled through the air at high speeds and cause serious injury. ▪️ Train Overhang and Loose Cargo Trains and their cargo are wider than the tracks themselves, often overhanging by three feet or more. Loose chains, straps or shifting loads, can also hang off the cars, potentially striking anyone standing too close. ▪️ Distortion of Perception The visual effect of a fast-moving train can distort a person's balance and depth perception, making them feel as though they are swaying and potentially causing them to fall onto the tracks. ▪️ Quiet Approach Despite their size, trains are surprisingly quiet, especially if they are coasting or if the person nearby is distracted (e.g., by headphones or a phone). They may not sound their horns when approaching. 👉 For safety, always obey warning signs, stay behind any yellow lines on platforms, and never trespass on railroad property. #Safety #Prevention #Railway #Engineering

Publicly owned train operators are collaborating with Network Rail to support nationwide efforts to remove some of the 500 billion leaves that fall on Britain’s railways per year. When leaves are compressed under train wheels, they can create a slippery surface, just like black ice and now several train operators in public ownership are deploying new and innovative techniques to blast leaf mulch off the rails, to keep passengers moving, and the technology could be extended across the network in years to come. #railnews #railways #ukrail #rail https://lnkd.in/eutsNer2

How Trains Change Tracks 🚆 A railway turnout (or switch) enables trains to move safely between tracks — using movable rails and a frog to guide the wheels along different paths. This clever piece of engineering is essential for efficient rail network operations. #Engineering