What are block brakes on roller coasters?

Block brakes are sections of brakes located on any roller coaster wherever more than one train is intended to run. They act as virtual barriers between the trains running on the roller coaster, preventing collisions should one train stop along the course for any reason.



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Roller coaster designers refer to brakes that slow down the train as trim brakes, and brakes that stop the train are known as block brakes. In addition to these two main categories of brakes, there are also several different types.

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A roller coaster ride comes to an end. Magnets on the train induce eddy currents in the braking fins, giving a smooth rise in braking force as the remaining kinetic energy is absorbed by the brakes and converted to thermal energy.

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Rollercoasters use brakes to slow down, or completely stop the train. Rollercoaster brakes can come in the form of magnetic and physical brakes, manual and automatic brakes, brakes that are on the train, and brakes that are on the track.

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Though roller coasters may seem scary, they are actually incredibly safe — modern coasters are designed so that millions of people can ride each year without any risk of injury.

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