Talk is that PTC (Positive Train Control) could have prevented this terrible accident. Railroads across the country are adopting PTC. It is rumored that Union Pacific is installing it across Wisconsin on its Adams line (freight) to the Twin Cities. That could also make the hauling of more dangerous commodities such as oil, safer. Comments?
Wisconsin Association of Railroad Passengers
Leading Wisconsin in promoting a statewide rail network for the 21st century
Wisconsin Association of Railroad Passengers 
Oil trains will not be safe if the tracks are not maintained to a level that can handle the pounding and weight of these massive trains. That seems to be the problem in some of these wrecks.