OneRail’s Rail Safety in the United Statesreport showed that rail is safer than its competition and that railroad safety continues to improve. Updated versions of safety charts from the 2016 report, below, demonstrate that these safety improvement trends are continuing.
The train accident rate declined 24% from 2008-2017.Grade crossing collisions per million train-miles declined 7% from 2008-2017.On duty casualties per 100 employee declined 7% from 2008-2017.
Trespasser and grade crossing fatalities make up the majority of rail-related fatalities.
Human factors account for 38% of all train related accidents.
