Trains Collision Expert Pushes for Derailment Switches in Germany
Following the recent train crash in Upper Bavaria, rail expert Markus Hecht is urging for improved safety measures, specifically arguing for the adoption of derailment switches in Germany. A well-known figure in the field, Hecht, who heads the Rail Vehicles department at the Technical University of Berlin, believes that this type of technology could significantly reduce the risk of future train collisions.
As it stands, while derailment points, or "single-tongue protection points," are commonly used in other countries, they're not permitted in Germany due to regulatory constraints. Hecht, however, believes that these cost-effective and space-saving alternatives would be much more beneficial in preventing train collisions.
"Despite the high costs and space requirements, we can avoid serious train accidents during high-speed journeys in Germany using protective switches," Hecht explained to dpa in an interview. But he emphasized that this protection isn't mandatory for situations with a lower potential for damage.
Friday's train crash at Reichertshausen station, between Munich and Ingolstadt, highlights the pinch point between safety and cost. The cause of the collision remains unclear, with investigations currently underway to determine whether it was due to a technical fault or human error. Several individuals were lightly injured as a result.
The rail expert believes that neglecting signals and an non-functioning train protection system could be underlying factors in the crash. With derailment switches in place, train protection systems would trigger emergency braking when standard signals are ignored or when speeds exceed the limit.
While the concept of derailment switches isn't new, Hecht has been advocating for their introduction in Germany for years but has faced resistance from regulatory bodies.
Demonstrating the effectiveness of derailment switches in preventing train collisions would require a multi-faceted approach. Stakeholders would need to collaborate on various initiatives, such as lobbying for regulatory changes, conducting pilot projects to demonstrate the technology's effectiveness, and rallying public support for the implementation of derailment switches.
In conclusion, while the specifics of the train crash in Upper Bavaria remain unclear, rail safety expert Markus Hecht is pushing for derailment switches as a potential solution for preventing future train collisions in Germany. The technology, when coupled with education, advocacy, and partial regulatory changes, could make a difference in ensuring the safety of rail passengers.
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Enrichment data could enhance this article by offering practical strategies for implementing derailment switches in Germany. While not including these details in the base article would maintain its focus, incorporating relevant insights and initiatives could strengthen this revised version and provide readers with valuable information on the steps needed to prioritize rail safety in Germany.
