Commuter Train Crashed Into A Rail Station In Hoboken, New Jersey

This morning another railroad related tragedy is unfolding as a commuter train crashed into a rail station in Hoboken, New Jersey. At this point, it is too early to tell what may have caused this collision, which is still under investigation. Nevertheless, the occurrence of yet another rail disaster highlights the need for safety improvements in our nation’s rail system. Unfortunately, most of today’s trains, both freight and passenger, operate using technology, safety systems and equipment that are several decades old. As a result, most railroads are unable to reliably stay informed of where their trains are or how fast they are going. And a single human error, even a foreseeable error, can lead to a large scale tragedy.

As experienced railroad injury attorneys, the Warshauer Woodward Atkins has far too often seen the consequences of the inadequate and antiquated safety systems used by most railroads. Perhaps the most notable failure of the railroads is the repeatedly delayed implementation of positive train control and related technologies. These technologies would allow railroads to monitor trains, prevent human error and prevent catastrophic accidents. While it remains too early to know if these technologies would have prevented the Hoboken collision, they would have prevented many recent collisions, saved countless lives and prevented many life-altering injuries.

For more on the unfolding story of the Hoboken rail disaster, see

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/commuter-train-crashes-hoboken-new-jersey-station-n656711