And the almost-accident happened in an urban area. I don't want to think about what happens if such a train catches fire and explodes, especially there.Illegal_Alien wrote:And we had an almost head to head accident;
(image)
The goodstrain had propane tanks.
I think it's time for two things:
1. Avoid running trains with dangerous goods through urban areas. Since the Betuweroute is finished now, such trains should be using that route, since it runs through somewhat less densely populated areas. Moreover the signalling and safety on this new line is better. This also leads me to the next point...
2. Get rid of the old ATB system. The problem with that safety system is that it doesn't work below 40 km/h. In particular, it doesn't prevent trains from passing a red signal if it drives less than 40 km/h. And especially where a lot of train routes meet (so where accidents are more likely to happen), at stations, speeds are generally limited to 40 km/h. That this leads to dangerous situations is obvious: Almost all collisions in the Netherlands between trains seem to happen near stations.
There should be a new system which is able to stop trains when accidently passing a red signal. Such systems are available, but the majority of the rail network still use the old ATB system. If the new systems would be used, a lot of accidents and almost-accidents will be prevented.
Good pictures. Too bad there aren't many of them as of yet. 
