Q&A for How to Stop a Train in an Emergency

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How do I stop a freight train?

Community Answer

Follow the same methods listed above. But be cautious, as a freight train with a hundred cars can take up to a mile to stop.

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Question

What if I fail to stop the train and die in the derailment?

Community Answer

Then there is nothing that can be done. You should still attempt to stop the train, as it is better to at least try.

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Question

What happens when a passenger pulls the emergency stop? Does it stop automatically or notify the driver?

Hugo Billiau

Community Answer

All trains have mechanical air-pressure operated brakes. The air pressure holds them up off the wheels. Without air pressure, they fall down. On such old trains, pulling the cord or pressing the button will open a valve and cause the air pressure to release immediately. On modern trains, the driver is alerted of an emergency and the brakes begin to apply, but the driver can override this if it is unsafe to stop, such as a viaduct or tunnel. Once the danger is passed, the driver will stop the train.

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Question

What happens once the train comes to a complete stop after operating the emergency stop?

Hugo Billiau

Community Answer

Generally, the train's staff and crew will assess the situation and notify the dispatcher of the emergency. They will then act accordingly such as calling further aid, evacuating the train, or, if all is well, resuming normal operations.

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Question

When stopping a train for an emergency, how far ahead of the accident should we start waving?

David Maj

Community Answer

It depends on the train and it's speed. Freight trains for example can take up to 3.5 miles to fully stop. Normal passenger trains for example can take up to 2 miles to stop. This is all on emergency brakes, so you should try and keep a safe distance from the accident while trying to alert the driver.

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