In general, this is actually done: there are defect detectors that are installed along tracks that monitor for several conditions as trains pass over/through th

In general, this is actually done: there are defect detectors that are installed along tracks that monitor for several conditions as trains pass over/through them. Once the train has passed, a voice radio message is sent to the train crew. Here's an example of one working: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7BGg82uQ1U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7BGg82uQ1U I'm not sure whether similar equipment was a factor in the East Palestine incident.