In a recent letter to the freight railroads' main trade group, concerns were raised by the Transportation Secretary regarding railroad safety. Despite acknowledging the industry's commitment to safety and recent initiatives, Secretary Buttigieg emphasized the need for further improvements.
Statistics from the Federal Railroad Administration indicate that safety measures have not significantly improved over the past decade. While the total number of accidents and derailments has decreased, the rate of incidents has worsened when considering the decline in rail traffic.
Although railroads have a relatively safe track record compared to other modes of transportation, with 2.1 derailments per million miles traveled, the recent Ohio derailment highlighted the potential risks associated with train accidents involving hazardous materials.
The industry's investment in maintenance, technology, and training to prevent derailments was acknowledged, with major freight railroads dedicating billions annually to enhance safety measures.
However, concerns were raised about the industry's focus on short-term profits potentially overshadowing other critical priorities such as safety, network development, and worker well-being. The profitability of the railroads, exceeding $25 billion collectively last year, was highlighted as evidence of their financial success.
Despite workforce reductions aimed at operational efficiency, unions have expressed worries about maintenance oversight and rushed inspections. The industry maintains that these changes have not significantly impacted their safety record.
Secretary Buttigieg urged the railroads to prioritize safety over profits and collaborate with regulators to implement necessary reforms. The call to action emphasized the importance of enhancing safety measures to prevent future accidents and protect workers and communities.
