When there is no chance of survival due to human error or mechanical repair or just mechanical deficiencies, or aged equipment, like what happened in Washington, DC's train disaster this past week, there is no preparedness we can do, except to demand more stringent inspections and regulations, at whatever cost, because human life cannot be replaced as easily as money can be replenished over time. It may be easy in one of the commentors mind to blame the dead crew for error, but the members, all the members of the crew, including the pilot, have all the power and control in the situation, especially while the vehicle has not yet taken route.   I disagree with the comments thus far.  It is the passenger who has only the power to have a sixth sense to know to stay off the ill-fated vehicle, or to be just as well lucky, or to not travel on planes and in old trains with any frequency.  Stay home, and don't even drive your car!