Growing length of U.S. freight trains in federal crosshairs after crashes

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...al-crosshairs-after-crashes-gao-idUSKBN1E01B9

Surely train length is just one of many variables that would contribute to accidents. And it wouldn't necessarily be the key cause (thinking track condition).

Well, I can see the really long trains (2 miles and up) increasing the strain on the track, depending on the number of curves its going around at the same time, but that can be helped by adding 1 dpu at the back, or even middle (though middle would take a bit more work). the main safety thing I could think of with longer trains is increased stopping distance, and not necessarily to avoid the accident, but the shear mass that is that involved in it. like you said, its one of many variables involved, though I'm sure some fear mongers will catch wind of this, like they always do. :|

Unfortunately doing your railways in there.