Obstacles
Trains can, but do not always, derail if they hit obstacles on the tracks, like animals, fallen branches, vehicles and bikes on level crossings, and so on.
Once one locomotive or wagon derails, it becomes an obstacle for following wagons, leading to a pileup.
The shape of the front of the train is important. If it is curved like a "cowcatcher", then obstacles may be thrown safely off to one side.
Read more about this topic: Derailment
Famous quotes containing the word obstacles:
“... there are persons who seem to have overcome obstacles and by character and perseverance to have risen to the top. But we have no record of the numbers of able persons who fall by the wayside, persons who, with enough encouragement and opportunity, might make great contributions.”
—Mary Barnett Gilson (1877–?)
“Life is like walking along a crowded street—there always seem to be fewer obstacles to getting along on the opposite pavement—and yet, if one crosses over, matters are rarely mended.”
—Thomas Henry Huxley (1825–95)
“Weakness is a better teacher than strength. Weakness must learn to understand the obstacles that strength brushes aside.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)