You can build rolling stock as heavily armored as a military tank. Of course, it will weigh a lot and cost a lot to move -- not to mention accelerating it up to operating speed and braking it for stops.

But, when such a piece of rolling stock hits an immovable object -- such as a cliff face or strong bridge abutment -- here's what happens.

The piece of rolling stock will remain largely intact -- though probably not usable any more.

The people inside will be dead or severely injured, because when the car comes to a sudden stop, the objects inside (including people) will continue to travel until they strike some object in the interior of the car.


Over the years, I did many cab rides in both the U.S. and Europe. On the whole, I felt safer on the European equipment.

-- Ernest