The train accident rate has declined 28 percent in the last decade, according to the Federal Railroad Administration, and 2017 had the lowest rate on record. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) attributes this decline to new technologies, better maintenance, and an employee commitment to safety.
Since 2000, the track-caused accident rate has declined 55 percent, the human factor-caused accident rate 45 percent, the train accident rate 44 percent, the derailment rate 42 percent, and the equipment-caused accident rate 38 percent.
While the industry has made strides, there is one area where the accident rate has increased. Trespassing deaths have increased 22 percent. In the United States, a person is hit by a train every three hours.
“While the safety of rail operations remains strong, our job is not done,” AAR President and CEO Ed Hamberger said. “The rise in pedestrian deaths in 2017 is a stark reminder of the perils of risky behavior around railroad tracks. Don’t tempt fate; remember when you see tracks, think train.”
Railroads have tried to work with communities and law enforcement to educate the public on safe behavior near tracks and are maintaining and improving grade crossings. They also are participating in the Operation Lifesaver education initiative.