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Restricted Speed Enforcement for Positive Train Control Systems
In 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 236, restricted speed is defined as a speed that permits stopping within one-half the range of vision, but does not exceed 20 mph. While previous studies have focused extensively on the safety risks associated with high-frequency, high-consequence accidents, comparatively little prior work has been undertaken to evaluate railroad risk and safety under restricted-speed operations. Moreover, current regulations do not require Positive Train Control (PTC) to perform when a train is traveling under the restricted speed. Recently, a series of severe accidents have occurred due to violations of restricted speed rules, resulting in injuries or fatalities, infrastructure and rolling stock damage, and environmental impacts. Because of these facts and the existing research gap, researchers at Rutgers University and HNTB Corporation took great interest in understanding the safety risks of restricted-speed operation and effective strategies for accident prevention.
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