The cause of the crash must be fully investigated to help us prevent a similar accident happening in future � although if someone is determined to drive onto rail tracks there is only so much we can do to stop them. But what would be a mistake is to conclude from this accident that the railways are unsafe and to alter our travelling habits.
Trains are by far the safest form of travel and they are getting safer all the time. 10 people were killed in rail accidents last year. Almost 3,500 people were killed on the roads last year. More people die in Britain on the roads than are killed in Saturday�s rail accident, but that death toll rarely makes the news.
The safety of the railways is not just improving for passengers; it is getting better for staff as well. Thirty-five years ago 69 railway employees were killed; last year just 6 have been - still too many but a big improvement.
Since the Hatfield crash four years ago there has been a major overhaul of rail safety. Millions of pounds have been invested updating the track and signalling equipment. On board train safety has also been improved.
The reliability of First Great Western has been getting steadily better after all the maintenance disruption of the last few years. A new improved timetable with faster journey times and more regular services had been announced.
Passenger numbers have been growing strongly, partly reflecting our strong economy, but also a shift from road to rail which is good for the environment and safety.
It would be a further tragedy if as a result of this accident that progress was reversed.
