 |
Re: What are the Lessons from the Metrolink Crash for SMART
Author: OldPoleBurner
Date: 09-13-2008 - 16:49
At least one implication -
SMART should not expect the F.R.A. to relax passenger car crash worthiness standards anytime soon.
That metrolink car should have been strong enough to expend kinetic energy crumpling up, without permitting telescoping or over-climbing. I would expect, the FRA and the NTSC will focus much attention on whether those cars actually do meet federal standards. Much death has resulted because they apparently do not. If this is found to be an honest human error, the NTSB is sure to again call for ATP mandates.
As to methods of accident prevention, that is the core of my profession. I will anxiously be awaiting the NTSB report to cross my desk, but that will take awhile. I did post some thoughts on prevention on the original thread below.
OPB
SMART should not expect the F.R.A. to relax passenger car crash worthiness standards anytime soon.
That metrolink car should have been strong enough to expend kinetic energy crumpling up, without permitting telescoping or over-climbing. I would expect, the FRA and the NTSC will focus much attention on whether those cars actually do meet federal standards. Much death has resulted because they apparently do not. If this is found to be an honest human error, the NTSB is sure to again call for ATP mandates.
As to methods of accident prevention, that is the core of my profession. I will anxiously be awaiting the NTSB report to cross my desk, but that will take awhile. I did post some thoughts on prevention on the original thread below.
OPB
