Do you think its safe to ride the Amtrak?

Question

I'm taking the train home for Xmas leave, from Chicago to Michigan, and recently there has been two train wrecks in the last month, both around Chicago. One where the train ran inot he back of a frieght train, now a derailment. I still am going to take the train, too late now to change the travel plans, but now I'm a little nervous about it, is my nervousness unfounded?

Answer 1

Hi Evan

Yes it is safe, train deraliments are very spectacular looking so they get a lot of publicity.

Car wrecks generally dont even though automobile crashes kill so many thousands every year.

You are far far safer on a train, and even if there was a derailment, you are more likely to survive a derailment than an auto crash.

I have been railroading since 1972 and have never had a locomotive derail on me yet, I worry more about the drive to work then being on a train.

I know it seems intimidating when you see coverage on TV but your odds of arriving safely are better on rails than highways.

Go, have fun, enjoy the ride and Happy Holidays

Answer 2

amtrak is very safe -of course the media only tells you about accidents (cause it makes good reading) you wont hear
of the over 1,000 trips (probally more) trips amtrak has
made -
its a wonderful way to go no stress on the nevers
and sometimes some wonderful views out side the train windows as well
have a great trip you will be safe

Answer 3

GEOFF M above has no clue on train travel.
1. There are NO rear facing seats
2. You don't choose what car you sit in. They are assigned.
3. You can only get 2 feet away from a window unless you sit in the aisle.
4. There are no "Emergency Exits" on AMTRAK
AMTRAK is safer than driving, flying or hitch hiking.

Answer 4

I have been using Amtrak for the past 8 years (2-3 times a month). I have had no problems. Enjoy the view, bring a book & your MP3 player and enjoy. The train is great hastle free travel.

Answer 5

My friend, I've riding Amtrak for years, mostly on the East Coast. Amtrak is better than taking a plane from Chicago to Michigan and having to deal with delays and airport security. Amtrak is even better than driving across several states and dealing with traffic and accidents. So don't be nervous, you have a better chance to get to you destination safer on Amtrak than traveling by plane or road.

Answer 6

your nervousness is not unfounded; however, do consider that there has only been 2 train wrecks compared to how many car accidents that happen daily. if you are on Amtrak and in the train, the chances of you or anyone else being hurt is pretty slim. Amtrak and public transportation is safer than driving.

Answer 7

You're far more likely to have an accident on the drive to or from the rail station than you are on board a train.

Some tips that people swear by, if somewhat unfounded:
- Sit on a rear-facing seat
- Don't use the front or rear cars
- Sit away from windows
- Know where your emergency exits are
- Enjoy yourself and don't worry.

Answer 8

Amtrak has two sets of wheels. One that it always rides on and one that is ridden on in case of derailment. The engineer would know if there is a derailment because he would see that one of the cars are tipped to the side. The only way the train WOULD derail is if the engineer ran a red light or another train does. The signals are now stretched out enough to where if a train accidentally runs a red light and is fragile, he has enough time to stop unless the signals are protecting a switch. Then it is possible for an Amtrak to derail. But I don't know too many passenger trains taking sidings, so I guess your safe.

Answer 9

AMTRAK has a pretty good safety record on the whole, don't worry.

Answer 10

There are hundreds of trains running 24-7. They only make the news twice in a month! That's probably less than 1%. And not everybody was hurt!!! Cheer up... sit back... be glad your not sittin in the highway traffic.