Train derailments are a serious concern for the transportation industry, with potential impacts on human life, property and the environment. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), “a train derailment is defined as any unintended movement of one or more rail cars off the track.” In this post, we’ll be looking at some of the most important statistics about train derailments in recent years.
1. Frequency
Between 2009 and 2018, there were a total of 2,303 train accidents involving derailments in the United States according to Federal Railroad Administration’s Office of Safety Analysis. This translates into an average of about 230 train derailments per year over that period.
2. Causes
A variety of factors can contribute to train derailments including human error, equipment failure or malfunction and track defects caused by weather conditions and other environmental factors.
3. Fatalities
Train accidents can be deadly when they involve passenger trains especially those operating at high speed. The NTSB reported that between 2007-2016 there were a total of 102 fatalities resulting from passenger train derailment accidents in America.
4. Economic Cost
Train derailments often result in significant economic losses due to damage repair costs, freight delays and lost productivity among others things . A study conducted by IHS Global Insight estimates that from January 2000 through December 2014, U.S Class-I Railroads experienced an annual impact cost ranging between $232 million – $829 million due to rail-related infrastructure failures including but not limited to derailment incidents.
5.Liability
The liability associated with Train Derailment incidents is dependent on several factors such as negligence or intentional acts which may cause personal injury/death /property damage/environmental pollution etc., leading up to it . However , generally speaking , railroad companies have strict liability when it comes to injuries or damages suffered by passengers during transit .
6.Frequency Of High-Speed Train Derailments
The derailment of a high-speed train is one of the most serious types of accidents that can occur in the railroad industry. In recent years, countries such as China and Spain have seen several instances of high-speed train derailments .
7.Causes Of High-Speed Train Derailments
High-speed train derailments can be caused by factors such as human error, mechanical failure, track defects or environmental factors.
8.Frequency Of Freight Train Derailments
Freight trains are also susceptible to derailment incidents which can cause significant delays and economic losses especially for companies dependent on just-in-time delivery.
9.Causes Of Freight Train Derailments
Factors such as equipment malfunction , poor maintenance practices or cargo shifting during transit among others things may contribute towards freight train derailment .
10. Environmental Impacts
Train derailment incidents often result in significant environmental impacts including pollution from fuel spills and hazardous materials released into water sources or soil.
11. Prevention Techniques
In order to prevent train derailments, railroads often employ a range of techniques including routine inspections and maintenance schedules for tracks/equipment; installation of safety systems (e.g Positive Train Control) ; employee training programs etc.,
12. Mitigation Strategies
When a train does suffer a derailment incident , mitigation strategies include rapid response teams equipped with necessary equipment /tools to contain hazardous material releases ; evacuation plans for affected areas ; emergency services personnel trained in handling railway-related incidents among others things .
13. Regulations And Oversight
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is responsible for ensuring railroad safety through enforcing regulations regarding inspection/maintenance requirements , requiring certain safety technologies on new locomotives/cars etc.,
14. Technological Advancements To Improve Safety
Today’s transportation industry has seen some significant technological advancements aimed at improving rail safety . One example is Positive Train Control (PTC) which uses GPS technology to monitor trains’ speed/location data and can take over control of the train if needed to prevent accidents.
15. Conclusion
Train derailments are a serious concern for both the transportation industry and society at large due to their potential human, economic and environmental impacts. While preventing such incidents may not be entirely possible, rigorous inspection/maintenance schedules , employee training programs , installation of safety systems etc., can go a long way in ensuring overall rail safety.