DALLAS, TX Texas Central, developers of the state's high-speed train, invites you to watch PBS NOVA special, "Why Trains Crash." 

What: "Why Trains Crash" examines the risk factors in rail accidents, concentrating on the Japanese Shinkansen train system and its history of nearly flawless operations and perfect safety record to-date. Other program highlights include:

o The Shinkansen system is the safest high-speed train technology in the world. It has operated for more than 50-years in Japan with zero accidents and zero fatalities. About 400,000 passengers use the system safely daily.
o Focusing on crash avoidance, the Shinkansen uses a "sealed system," meaning no other trains travel on the same tracks.
o The tracks cross over or under existing roads. There are no "at grade" crossings with the Shinkansen system.
o The Shinkansen system uses electric trains that are quiet, light, environmentally friendly and put minimal pressure on the track when compared to other high-speed trains.  

Why: The Texas Bullet train will use the Shinkansen system for the North Texas-to-Houston passenger line, delivering a safe, reliable and productive option to meet the state's growing transportation demands.

o The N700-I system is the international version of the Tokaido Shinkansen system in operation between Tokyo and Osaka, Japan.
o This international version will feature the core system - passenger train, overhead catenary, tracks, signaling - along with all of the corresponding maintenance and operations procedures that have made Tokaido Shinkansen operations so safe, efficient and successful for more than 50 years.

Where: To watch the full program, please visit: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/why-trains-crash.html