The Trouble With Railroads

some winter challenges affect planes, trains, and automobiles alike: Vehicles
get stuck in snow drifts, for example, and moisture freezes in brake lines and
engines, creating blockages. But railways suffer unique problems. When
jammed with ice, mechanical switches can become unmovable. Overhead
wires may snap. Amtrak’s electric lines “are like any piece of metal—when they
get cold, they get shorter,” says Augustine Ubaldi, a railroad engineering
expert with Robson Forensics. “So as the wires keep tightening, they can
actually snap.”
The rails contract as well, posing risks for trains, especially at points where
they are welded together. To mitigate the hazard, trains reduce speed,
meaning slower journeys and system-wide delays.

That same winter, snow disabled the electrical systems of five trains in the
English Channel tunnel, stranding 2,000 people. To improve its own winter
cold-weather rail service, last January Finland placed an order for 80 special
Siemens Vectron locomotives, capable of running in minus-80 degrees
Fahrenheit weather. (The cars would also be useful on a proposed trans-Arctic
railroad).

Every train technology has its own drawbacks. High speed rail with dedicated track have
problems operating in the cold and snow; higher-speed rail on converted track have slightly
different problems in cold weather; electric wires are not that weather-proof; and you can
avoid some problems with switches, for example, by building more expensive solutions, and
adding hundreds of millions to the cost of railroad.

In the Netherlands we also have problems in the winter and we did have issues in autumn
with falling leaves on the tracks. One thing that helps is to keep driving on the tracks day
and night. More trains per hour helps a lot. if one train fails you can get the next in
reasonable time. There are no reservations, that means that you sometimes can't sit part of
your journey.

What risks do older people face in the winter?

Winter weather can exacerbate certain ailments common in older adults and creates new
hazards.

Age UK reported that older adults in the British Isles face elevated risks in the winter
compared to other European countries. Aging homes with minimal insulation and a lack of
awareness may be to blame. As such the elderly and their families should be proactive
about the health perils that come with winter.

Snow, ice and rain

Winter weather comes with its own set of hazards. Black ice can be a very serious concern,
as slippery ice can lead to falls. Shoveling snow can also be dangerous for older adults
because it is so physically demanding. The colder temperatures also have a negative effect
on the body's immune system and other functions. This is why winter can be especially
threatening.

Falling ill
The cold compromises the body's ability to stay healthy, and it also forces people to stay
indoors together. This aids the spread of germs and makes falling ill more likely. According
to the National Health Service, there are a number of problems that are more frequent in
winter. This includes influenza, norovirus and the common cold, as well as other issues
such as cold sores and dry skin. Eating well and finding ways to stay active are important
for boosting the immune system, especially for older adults.

Increased arthritis pain

Many people report feeling increased stiffness and joint pain in especially cold weather.
Scientific evidence has found that changes in pressure and temperature may be to blame.
This can reduce dexterity and cause greater discomfort. Light exercise, anti-inflammatory
foods and staying warm are all essential steps to reduce the negative affects of arthritis.

7 ways you can relieve #pain associated with weather

changes→https://t.co/DZZ8SKQ3rg via @CreakyJoints #arthritis pic.twitter.com/9SgDC
2WFbg

— Gracewell Healthcare (@GracewellHealth) December 2, 2016

Heart problems
Another serious concern tied to winter weather is the increase in cardiovascular problems
such as heart attack or stroke. Colder temperatures force the heart to work harder to keep
body heat stable and maintain the right blood pressure. Overall, this creates extra stress on
the heart. The NHS reported that older adults should always wear the right clothing to stay
warm and also use items such as an electric blanket or hot water bottle. Home thermostats
should be kept at 18 C or warmer.

Family members should help older loved ones clear away snow after a storm. Cold air
constricts the blood and reduced oxygen flow, and even light shoveling or pushing a snow
blower can be enough to create an elevated risk for heart attack or stroke. This is especially
important in the northern parts of the U.K.

Loneliness
Cold weather can inhibit travel and make it harder to stay socially active. Older adults in
particular may be limited in what they can do throughout the winter. Families should be
proactive about scheduling activities and visits to reduce feelings of loneliness or
restlessness. Be sure to select the right clothing to protect against the cold and select an
outing that is active and exciting.
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