What Happens If You Get Hit By A Train?

Train accidents can be devastating and often result in serious injuries or death. When a train collides with a human being, its impact force is immense, and the consequences could be dire. In this article, we’ll investigate what happens when one gets struck by a train, the physics behind it, and the potential outcomes.

Before anything else, it’s essential to comprehend the physics of a train collision. Trains can weigh several tons and travel at high speeds, making them mighty machines. When one collides with someone, the impact force is determined by factors like mass, velocity, and resistance – though humans are relatively small compared to trains, this impact can cause considerable harm.

The exact outcome of a train accident depends on several variables, including its speed, impact angle, and what part of the body is hit. However, here are some expected outcomes from these accidents:

Death

One of the tragic outcomes of a train accident is death. When an engine collides with someone, its impact force can be so great that it causes fatal injuries. Common causes of death in train accidents include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, and severe bleeding.

Amputation

One potential consequence of a train accident is the loss of limbs. Impact forces can crush or sever limbs, necessitating amputation. If someone survives such an incident, they may need multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation to regain mobility and adjust to life without their limb.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a frequent result of train accidents. When someone’s head hits something during impact, it can cause severe damage to the brain. TBI may result in long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, and other neurological problems depending on the injury’s severity.

Spinal Cord Injuries

A train accident can also result in severe spinal cord injuries. When the spine is damaged, it can cause permanent paralysis, sensory loss, and other neurological problems. Spinal cord injuries are life-altering events that often necessitate lifelong medical support and care.

Internal Organ Damage

Train collisions can cause devastating internal organ damage, such as lung punctures, ruptured spleens, or liver damage. Such injuries pose life-threatening risks and require immediate medical assistance for treatment.

Fractures and Other Injuries

Train accidents can have devastating results for those involved but can also cause fractures, cuts, bruises, and other injuries. Even if someone survives the incident, they may need extensive medical care and rehabilitation to recover from their wounds fully.

Prevention of Train Accidents: What Can Be Done?

Train accidents can often be avoided, and taking necessary precautions is essential to reduce the likelihood of collisions. Here are some measures that may help prevent train mishaps:

Be Aware of Warning Signs

Trains are enormous machines that require plenty of room to operate safely. Therefore, it’s essential to pay attention to warning signs and avoid crossing train tracks when one is approaching. Furthermore, be aware of its speed and how far away it needs to stop before crossing any tracks.

Never Disregard Crossing Guards

Crossing guards are installed to prevent collisions between trains and vehicles or pedestrians. You must obey the crossing guards and wait until crossing the tracks is safe. Then, only try to cross if no guard is present or a train is approaching.

Avoid Distractions

It is essential to stay distracted when near train tracks. Distractions like texting, listening to music or talking on the phone while crossing railroad tracks can lead to missing warning signs and prevent you from hearing approaching trains. In addition, being distracted could put your life in jeopardy.

Stay off the tracks

Trains operate on a set schedule, so staying off them is essential to prevent collisions. Walking on or near train tracks is illegal, jeopardizing your life.

Trespassing on Railroad Property

Railroad property is private, and it’s important to respect it. Trespassing on railroad property can lead to severe injuries or death, so please stay away from tracks and property unless you have permission from the railroad company.

Conclusion

In conclusion, getting hit by a train can have devastating results and serious injuries or death. The force of impact from such an impact may cause severe bodily harm, including amputation, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, fractures, and more. To avoid train accidents, we must take necessary precautions such as observing warning signs, obeying crossing guards, avoiding distractions staying off the tracks, and not trespassing on railroad property. By vigilance and respecting their potential danger, we can help prevent tragic outcomes and protect ourselves from harm’s hands.