Aside from using cars, buses, or motorcycles, riding a train is also considered and regarded as one of the instruments of transportation for people. Some people use this kind of transportation in order to lessen their expenses. However, using this kind of transportation may also be dangerous especially due to the occurrence of train accidents.

These accidents may cause devastating results on the part of the passengers. Instead of experiencing the perks or advantages that trains should give to people, there are times when riding it result to various problems suffered by the passengers.

Train accident, as defined by the Federal Railroad Administration is a derailment, collision, or other event that involves the operation of on-track equipment.

Train Accident Statistics

There is also a prevalent danger of train accidents like other kinds of accidents involving other means of transportation. People involved in such an accident may also sustain injuries or even die.

According to statistics, the number of train accidents has been continuously increasing since the year 1997. As a result of this, more people are at the risk of being involved in an accident involving a train.

Meanwhile, according to the Federal Highway Administration a train accident happens in the United States every two hours.

Although the occurrence of train accidents may be seen by others as minimal compared to other accidents like car accidents, bus accidents, or motorcycle accidents, the results of this kind of accident tends to be more devastating catastrophic compared to others.

Train Accident Injuries and Fatalities

Many people suffer from injuries as a result of being involved in a train accident. Various injuries that may be obtained by these people include:

• neck injuries

• back injuries

• Spinal cord injuries

• broken bones

• amputation

• eye injuries

• amputation

• blindness

Statistics reveled that in the year 2005, there are about 730people who sustained personal injuries due to such an accident. Meanwhile, when it comes to fatalities, there are 33 people who died in the same year due to their involvement in a train accident.

Causes of Train Accidents

Train accidents occur due to different reasons. It is important for people to become aware why these accidents happen in order to lessen its occurrence. In line with the knowledge that is gained when it comes to the causes of these accidents, are the safety measures to be taken so that the number of this kind of accidents will decrease in the succeeding times.

Train accident may occur due to one of the following reasons:

• derailment

• negligence on the part of the train conductor

• collision with a bus or a car

• inadequate or insufficient train security

• collision of a train with another train

• mechanical failure including

• tracks that are unsuitable managed or maintained

• collision with pedestrians

Train Accident Effects on Whole Town or Community

There are times wherein train accidents may not only harm individuals but also the whole town or community. This happens when train dangerous chemicals or other hazardous materials are spilled during a train accident. Trains are known as one of the means wherein chemicals are transported from one place to another.