The safest spot in a train, during an accident, is the center of the train, said Mann, who was the principal author of the Federal Railway Safety Act in 1970. Because if there is a front-end collision or a rear-end collision, the damages will be greater at those locations.

Statistically, the middle or rear-middle of a train is generally considered the safest place to sit. In the event of a head-on collision or a derailment at a switch, the lead cars (the front) typically absorb the most significant impact. Conversely, the very last car can be vulnerable in the rare event of a rear-end collision. Safety experts often suggest sitting one or two cars away from the very front or back to minimize risk from either end. Additionally, sitting in an aisle seat rather than a window seat can offer protection from shattering glass or external objects during an accident. While train travel remains incredibly safe overall, choosing a seat in the "bulk" of the train provides a slightly better buffer against most common accident scenarios.