Train derailments are a serious safety concern in the United States. These incidents can cause significant damage, injuries, and loss of life. Concerns about train derailments have been on the tops of people’s minds since the catastrophic trail derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, earlier this year. There are nine facts you should know about train derailments in the United States.
- According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), there were 1,772 train derailments in the United States in 2019. The number of train derailments can vary year to year, but it is clear that train derailments are a persistent problem in the United States.
- The leading causes of train derailments are track defects, human error, and equipment failure. Track defects can include issues such as broken rails, loose or missing bolts, and worn-out ties. Human error can include issues such as improper maintenance, inadequate training, and fatigue. Equipment failure can include issues such as defective brakes, failed bearings, and other mechanical issues.
- Train derailments can result in hazardous materials spills, fires, and explosions. Many trains carry hazardous materials such as chemicals, petroleum products, and other flammable substances. When a train derails, these materials can spill and cause significant damage and harm.
- The deadliest train derailment in United States history occurred in 1918 when an overloaded troop train derailed and crashed into a ravine near Nashville, Tennessee, killing 101 people. While this incident occurred over a century ago, it serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of train derailments.
- Train derailments can have significant economic impacts, including damage to infrastructure and disruptions to supply chains. When a train derails, it can damage tracks, bridges, and other infrastructure, causing costly repairs and delays to freight shipments.
- The FRA has implemented a number of regulations and initiatives aimed at reducing the number of train derailments in the United States, including increased inspections, improved training for railroad employees, and stricter safety standards. These efforts have helped to reduce the number of train derailments in recent years, but more work is needed to further improve safety.
- Train derailments can occur in both urban and rural areas, and can involve both passenger and freight trains. While many people may associate train derailments with freight trains, passenger trains can also derail and cause significant damage and harm.
- In recent years, there have been several high-profile train derailments in the United States, including a 2013 incident in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, Canada, where a train carrying crude oil derailed and exploded, killing 47 people. These incidents serve as a reminder of the potential dangers of train derailments and the importance of ongoing efforts to improve safety.
- It is important for individuals and communities to be prepared for the possibility of a train derailment, including having evacuation plans in place and knowing how to respond in the event of a hazardous materials spill. By being prepared and knowing what to do in the event of a train derailment, individuals and communities can help to minimize harm and damage.
In conclusion, train derailments are a serious safety concern in the United States. By understanding the causes and impacts of these incidents, we can work towards preventing them from occurring in the future. It is important for regulators, railroads, and individuals to all do their part to improve safety and prevent train derailments.
If you’ve suffered injuries, damages, or losses of some type as the result of a train derailment, the legal team at The Doan Law Firm is here for you. You can reach a train accident lawyer from our firm any time of the day or night by calling us at (800) 349-0000. We can schedule an initial consultation at any one of our 40 offices located across the country. We can also arrange an initial consultation and case evaluation with a train accident lawyer online as well. There is never a charge for an initial consultation with a Doan Law Firm train accident lawyer.
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