Even assuming they performed optimally, the reduction in stopping distance would not have been anywhere near 100%. It depends on train length, weight, and speed

Even assuming they performed optimally, the reduction in stopping distance would not have been anywhere near 100%. It depends on train length, weight, and speed, and some other train car standards but a mean estimate would be a 13 to 39% reduction in the stopping distance. How many less cars does this translate to as far as a derailment? This study [1] suggest 20% less. Contrast that with an official saying that ECP brakes would have "avoided that monster pile up"[2]. If 50 cars derailed then maybe we could see ten fewer cars derailing in a similar accident. Is that worth it? I don't know. But I don't believe it would have completely prevented it. [1]: https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/680555.pdf https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/680555.pdf [2]: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2023/02/14/norfolk-southerns-ohio-train-derailment-emblematic-rail-trends/11248956002/ https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2023/02/14/norfolk-south...