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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tom White
(202) 639-2556
Railroads Post Safest Year in History
Industry Efforts Produce Record Results on Key Measures
WASHINGTON, March 14, 2007 — The nation's railroads experienced their safest year in history during 2006, according to three key safety measurements released by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) last week.
Railroads had 402 fewer train accidents in 2006 than 2005, down 12.4 percent. Texas led the nation with 51 fewer train accidents, followed by Ohio, Nebraska, Indiana, New Jersey and California, according to FRA data. A total of 36 states experienced fewer train accidents.
"The railroad industry is committed to safety and it shows,” said Edward R. Hamberger, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads. “Last year was the safest year ever — with lower train accident rates, lower grade crossing accident rates and a lower employee injury rate than at any time in the 175-year history of the industry.”
In addition, last year was also the safest year on record for railroad employees, with both injury and fatality numbers and rates reaching the lowest point in history.
“These records are a tribute to the commitment railroads have made to operate safely and to the dedication of our employees," said Hamberger. "Making it even more impressive is the fact that rail traffic was at its highest point in history, and thousands of new employees were brought on board to help handle that record volume. We moved more freight, with fewer accidents.”
Hamberger noted that the record-breaking numbers coincide with a record-breaking year for investment in railroad infrastructure and improvements. Last year alone, freight railroads invested $8.6 billion to expand and maintain infrastructure and equipment.
“Those investments have a direct impact on safety,” he said.
The FRA data also showed that human error — the leading cause of all train accidents — declined 20.2 percent.
“Our employee training programs certainly deserve some of the credit for last year's tremendous safety record,” said Hamberger. “New employees are put through extensive training programs, often lasting many months, before they are permitted to operate trains or work on track or equipment. And all operating employees — regardless of how long they have been with the railroads — receive daily safety briefings and annual training. The main focus of everything we do is safety.”
He also noted that new technology is also contributing to the improved safety record.
"Use of remote control technology in rail yards is reducing the number of accidents previously caused by miscommunication between employees on the ground and locomotive engineers,” he said. “And as advanced train control systems are deployed, accidents caused by human error should decline further."
Hamberger expressed disappointment that fatalities involving grade crossings and trespassers both increased last year. Ninety seven percent of all rail-related fatalities in 2006 involved trespassers or highway-rail grade crossing accidents.
The number of grade crossing fatalities was up 1.4 percent, even though the number of grade crossing collisions was down 5.0 percent. The number of trespasser fatalities increased 14.5 percent.
"The increase in grade crossing and trespasser fatalities underscores how important it is that the public understand the dangers of being on railroad property," he said. "Railroads will continue to work closely with local and state law enforcement agencies, highway safety groups, the Suicide Prevention Action Network and Operation Lifesaver to educate the public about safety around tracks and trains.”
Freight rail is by far the safest way to move goods and products across the country. Since 1980, the rail industry has reduced accident rates by 70 percent and employee injury rates by 81 percent. Over that same time, the grade crossing collision rate has fallen 76 percent.
AAR is the world's leading railroad policy, research and technology organization focusing on the safety and productivity of rail carriers. Its members include the leading freight railroads in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as Amtrak and other passenger lines. |