Apparently, leaves that fall on the track are a significant issue that can cause derailments since they can turn into a lubricant when squished according to Forbes. I wouldn’t be surprised if turtles did the same (but don’t quote me on that)
With that said, the only thing I’ve actually found involving turtles are them getting stuck in switches
Even if leaves were prone to cause this, turtles wouldn’t be. The amount of leaves in the world vs the amount of turtles in the world isn’t even comparable.
That article does not state that leaves can derail trains. The gunk/mulch that results from trains crushing leaves lubricates the wheels, which reduces the friction. That means it takes longer for the train to accelerate and brake. It can potentially be unable to stop as quickly as it should, which can potentially lead to more accidents, and then to more derailments. It contributes, it isn’t a cause.
It just reduces the wheel’s grip on the tracks a bit, not unlike how water on the road can reduce the grip of your tires. It’s still on the track, they’re not slipping off it like a cartoon stepping on a banana peel.
lemmybewholesome
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