Train accidents are a serious safety issue that can cause devastating consequences. Unfortunately, these events occur more often than you may think. The following statistics provide an overview of the prevalence and potential dangers of train accidents.
1. In the past decade, there have been an average of over 30 rail incidents per day in the U.S.
2. In 2021, the United States reported a total of 9,251 railway incidents, resulting in 901 fatalities and 5,735 injuries.
3. According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, there have been over 100,000 rail incidents from 2013 to 2022, resulting in nearly 8,000 fatalities and 78,000 injuries.
4. From 2020 to 2021, there was a 21% rise in fatalities at highway-rail crossings, while fatalities related to other incidents increased by 20%.
5. In 2022, there were a significant number of train derailments in the United States, exceeding 1,000 incidents.
6. Around 60% of rail accidents take place within rail yards, with more than half of these incidents being caused by human factors or errors.
7. There were approximately 10 train incidents nationwide last year that involved the release of hazardous materials. Between 2018 and 2020, there were 20 peak releases of hazardous materials, which is consistent with the past decade.
8. The number of nonfatal injuries experienced a 4% increase, going from 5,544 in 2020 to 5,781 in 2021.
9. Train crashes occur frequently in America, with an average of one every 115 minutes, and often result in fatalities.
10. Based on statistics from FRA, there were 2,195 collisions at highway-rail grade crossings in 2022.
Over the past decade, the U.S. has experienced an average of more than 30 rail incidents per day.
Train accidents are one of the most devastating forms of transportation incidents in the United States. Each year, thousands of people are injured or killed in train-related accidents. Shockingly, over the past decade, the U.S. has experienced an average of more than 30 rail incidents per day.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) defines a rail incident as any event caused by a train or rail vehicle, including derailments, collisions, and other accidents. [1]
In 2021, there were 9,251 railway incidents in the United States, which led to 901 fatalities and 5,735 injuries.
In 2021, the number of railway incidents in the United States was shockingly high. According to statistics from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), there were a total of 9,251 railway incidents across the nation during the year. These incidents resulted in an alarming 901 deaths and 5,735 injuries.
The FRA’s safety data also shows that most of these accidents involved freight trains, with nearly 5,000 incidents and 693 fatalities. Passenger train accidents accounted for the second-highest number of incidents, with over 3,800 reported during the year. [2]
Over 100,000 rail incidents have occurred from 2013 to 2022, resulting in nearly 8,000 fatalities and 78,000 injuries.
The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics has released shocking statistics showing an alarming rise in train accidents and fatalities over the past decade. From 2013 to 2022, the agency reported more than 100,000 rail incidents resulting in nearly 8,000 fatalities and 78,000 injuries.
While most of these incidents occurred due to human error, a significant number were attributed to mechanical problems such as derailment or equipment failure. [1]
Between 2020 and 2021, there was a 21% increase in fatalities at highway-rail crossings, while fatalities involving other types of incidents increased by 20%.
The news of a 21 percent increase in fatalities at highway-rail crossings between 2020 and 2021 is shocking. This data, released by the Federal Railroad Administration, is especially alarming considering that fatalities involving other types of incidents only increased by 20 percent during the same period.
This major increase in deaths highlights the dangers associated with trains and highway railway crossings. All too often, motorists underestimate the speed of oncoming trains and fail to heed warnings of approaching traffic. [3]
In 2022, there were a significant number of train derailments in the United States, totaling over 1,000 incidents.
In 2022, the United States experienced a shocking number of train derailments. According to statistics from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), there were over 1,000 incidents of train derailment in the country that year. This was an alarming figure, as it marked a significant increase in train accidents compared to prior years.
According to data from the Federal Railroad Administration, there were at least 1,164 train derailments across the country last year. Based on the data, the country experiences an average of three derailments per day.
In 2022, human error was the primary cause of derailments, followed by track defects as the second most common reason for train accidents.
The FRA identified several primary causes for this rise in derailments, including mechanical failure, human error, and weather-related events. [4]
Around 60% of rail accidents take place in rail yards, with over half of them being caused by human factors or errors.
Around 60% of rail accidents take place in rail yards, with over half of them being caused by human factors or errors.
Train accidents are a tragic reality of modern life, and the statistics paint a grim picture. According to data from the Federal Railroad Administration, around 60% of rail accidents take place in rail yards – namely, areas in which trains move between stations or sidings. This is particularly worrying given that these areas are often populated by workers and members of the public.
The majority of these train accidents in rail yards are caused by human factors or errors, with over half of them attributed to a lack of training or awareness of the risks associated with trains. In addition, mechanical problems such as derailment or equipment failure accounted for a significant number of rail accidents in rail yards. [6]
There were about 10 train incidents involving the release of hazardous materials nationwide last year. In both 2018 and 2020, there were 20 peak releases of hazardous materials in the past decade.
The past decade has seen an alarming spike in train accidents involving hazardous materials. According to the latest figures from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), there were about 10 train incidents involving the release of hazardous materials nationwide last year. In both 2018 and 2020, there were 20 peak releases of hazardous materials in the past decade, a significant increase from prior years. [7]
These incidents have had devastating consequences on the environment and public health, leading to serious injury and even death. It is crucial that operators take all necessary precautions when transporting such materials to ensure that accidents are prevented.
The number of nonfatal injuries increased by 4%, from 5,544 in 2020 to 5,781 in 2021.
The number of nonfatal injuries caused by train accidents has been on the rise over the last few years, and 2021 saw an even bigger jump. According to the latest statistics, the number of nonfatal injuries increased by 4%, from 5,544 in 2020 to 5,781 in 2021. [3]
This increase is alarming as it shows how train accidents can be incredibly dangerous and lead to serious consequences for those involved. It’s therefore essential that safety measures are taken to ensure no further incidents of this kind take place.
Train collisions in America occur approximately every 115 minutes and frequently result in fatalities.
Train collisions in America are more common than many people realize, occurring approximately every 115 minutes. These collisions often result in fatalities and severe injuries, making them a serious public safety concern.
Approximately 2,000 Americans experience fatalities or injuries at highway/rail grade crossings annually. [7]
Based on statistics from FRA, there were 2,195 collisions at highway-rail grade crossings in 2022.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), there were a shocking 2,195 collisions at highway-rail grade crossings in 2022 alone. These collisions typically involve passenger or freight trains and motor vehicles, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries every year.
The majority of these accidents occur due to driver negligence, such as ignoring warning signs or disregarding flashing lights and bells. Other causes include mechanical failures, improper maintenance of equipment, and weather-related issues. [8]
If you or a loved one has been injured in a train accident & need an experienced personal injury lawyer, please contact us by calling, or by filling out the form for a free consultation. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries.
Sources
[1] Chart of the Day: Over 30 railroad incidents per day in the U.S. (2023, February 19). CGTN. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-02-19/Chart-of-the-Day-Over-30-railroad-incidents-per-day-in-the-U-S–1hy0mN7n1Vm/index.html
[2] Rail accidents in the U.S. 2021 | Statista. (2023, August 23). Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/204569/rail-accidents-in-the-us/
[3] Railroad Deaths and Injuries. (n.d.). National Safety Council. Retrieved June 30, 2022, from https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/home-and-community/safety-topics/railroad-deaths-and-injuries
[4] Hernandez, J. (2023, March 9). There are about 3 U.S. train derailments per day. They aren’t usually major disasters. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2023/03/09/1161921856/there-are-about-3-u-s-train-derailments-per-day-they-arent-usually-major-disaste#
[5] Longer trains, fewer workers: Minnesota derailment follows years of railroad cost cutting. (n.d.). USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/03/31/train-derailments-us-follow-years-cost-cutting-railroads/11479655002
[6] “This is a big, big deal”: Ohio’s governor is shocked at the toxic train derailment that forced a town to evacuate. (n.d.). Fortune. https://fortune.com/2023/02/09/how-safe-railroad-industry-ohio-norfolk-southern-crash-big-deal-mike-dewine/
[7] Railroad Crossing Fact Sheet. (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2023, from https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/videoresource/fsrailroadcross.pdf
[8] Collisions & Fatalities by State | Operation Lifesaver. (n.d.). https://oli.org/track-statistics/collisions-fatalities-state
