Question

An Amtrak passenger train was travelling at 106 mph. Upon noticing danger ahead, the conductor applied the emergency brakes. Five seconds later the train collided with a backhoe.

1. Research the deceleration of a train under emergency braking and select a reasonable value in ft/s^2.

2. Research the delay in braking and assume a reasonable value in seconds.

3. Research the reaction time and assume a reasonable value in seconds.

4. Calculate the speed at impact in mph.

5. Determine time in seconds and location of the train in feet at points B, C, and D. Consider point A to be zero.

6. Recommend improvements to prevent similar crashes.

Answer 1