The number of train crashes named disasters with =10 killed and/or =100 nonfatally injured grows globally and the trend shows that more people survive these disasters today than did so in the past. This results in an increased number of survivors needing care.

Yes, it is highly possible to survive a train crash, as the survival rate for train passengers is statistically much higher than for those in cars or airplanes. According to 2024 and 2025 safety data, the ratio of railroad deaths to nonfatal injuries is about 1:7, and the vast majority of fatalities involve trespassers or vehicles at crossings, not passengers inside the train. Survival depends on several factors, most notably your location on the train. Experts recommend sitting in the middle or rear-middle cars, as the lead cars absorb the most energy in a head-on collision, and the rear cars are vulnerable to rear-end impacts. Choosing a rear-facing seat is also a major safety factor, as it supports your body during sudden deceleration, preventing you from being propelled forward. Inside the car, sitting in an aisle seat away from windows can prevent injuries from shattering glass or being ejected. Modern trains in 2026 are also equipped with "Positive Train Control" and advanced crumple zones, making the structural integrity of the passenger cabin much safer than in decades past, even in high-speed derailments.