Is a Train Derailment Always an Accident?

When discussing statistics, train derailments are always categorized as accidents. However, the question often asked is whether train derailments always happen accidentally. The answer is no. Derailments can be caused by many reasons, both accidental and deliberate. Let's delve into the complexities surrounding this issue.

Types of Train Derailments

Train derailments can be grouped into several categories, including equipment or rail failures, natural disasters, operational errors, negligence, and, in rare instances, intentional acts. Let's explore each type in detail.

Equipment and Rail Failures

Derailments due to equipment or rail failures are undoubtedly categorized as accidents. These incidents are usually the result of mechanical or structural issues that were unforeseeable or unavoidable.

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and damaged bridges can also lead to train derailments. While these events are often unforeseeable, they are not intentional and are, therefore, classified as accidents.

Operational Errors

Operator errors, such as misreading signal cues or miscalculations, can lead to derailments. These are also classified as accidents since they are unintended outcomes of human error.

Negligence

Negligence, whether it be in maintenance or lack of proper training, can contribute to derailments. Similar to the previous categories, such incidents are accidents due to oversight or human error.

Rare Instances of Intentional Derailments

While the majority of derailments occur due to accidents or natural occurrences, there are rare instances where a train is intentionally derailed.

Deliberate Derailments

My friend's father shared a personal anecdote about derailing trains during World War II as part of a resistance movement against the Nazis. However, while deliberate derailments do occur, they are extremely rare.

Intentional Accidents for Tactical Purposes

Deliberate derailments can be an intentional act in scenarios like a runaway train or a train passing a signal at danger. In these situations, if a derailment is achieved, it is typically done to prevent a collision. However, such derailments are still considered accidents since they are not planned but are a result of a series of unintended events.

The Influence of Entropy and Neoliberalism

The increasing entropy in the system can lead to more accidental occurrences, such as derailments. Entropy refers to a state of disorder or chaos, and as systems become more complex, the possibility of unintended events increases. This is similar to phenomena such as obesity, poverty, gun violence, and drug addiction.

Neoliberal policies, characterized by deregulation and privatization, can also contribute to this increase in entropy. While these policies are often presented as efficiency enhancers, they can lead to more chaotic and unpredictable outcomes.

Infrastructure and Political Influence

The claim that the U.S. is getting old is supported by the increasing number of accidents due to aging infrastructure. Additionally, the assertion that the Democratic party is also complicit in increasing entropy and that their infrastructure upgrade plans are a scam lacks factual evidence. Infrastructure upgrades are essential for modernizing and maintaining safety standards.

It’s important to note that both political parties can contribute to infrastructure degradation and accidents. However, addressing the issues requires comprehensive, implementable solutions.

Conclusion

While the majority of train derailments are accidents, it is worth recognizing that in rare instances, derailments can be intentional. The increase in accidental occurrences, as a result of natural processes and policies, can be attributed to factors such as entropy and neoliberal policies. Addressing these issues requires a careful and thoughtful approach, whether through political policies or technological advancements.