Authors: U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

Date of Publication:  May 1972

Sponsoring Agency:  U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

Performing Organization:  U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Bureau of Safety Programs

Report No: NTSB-RSS-72-1

Abstract:

During the past decade, train accidents in the United States have increased drastically. For example, in 1961 there were 3,879 train accidents,
while in 1970 there were 7,744 acci-dents.  The number of train accidents increased annually until 1969, when a peak of 8,195 accidents occurred. A decrease in the number of train accidents occurred in 1970, and the preliminary figures for 1971 indicate a further decrease to 6,959 train accidents. The increase in the number of train accidents was a significant factor prompting the enactment of the Federal Railroad Safety Act in October, 1970. The recent decrease in the number of train accidents is important, but the number of accidents remains 79 percent higher than in
1961.

As indicated in Appendix 1, train accidents attributed to the negligence of employees have been a contributing factor in the overall increase
of train accidents during the 1961-1970 period. The marked correlation between the total number of train accidents and those included under the classification of employee negligence is important. It also is contrary to the general opinion that the increase in total train accidents can be attributed to the deferred maintenance of equipment and track. Upon passage of the Federal Railroad Safety Act, the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) initial efforts have been directed at the promulgation of regulations establishing track and equipment standards. The fact that accidents attributed to the negligence of employees have followed the overall trend of train accidents warrants examination to identify the reasons so that corrective action can be considered.
 

No. of Pages:  25