Trains have been a critical part of how we transport people and goods since the first steam-powered train was invented in 1804. Yet even though they’ve improved dramatically in their technology and safety since then, serious accidents can still happen. Why? While regulations and technological advancements have helped, negligence may still lead to serious train accidents. A train company may hire inexperienced workers, drivers on the road may block tracks, and many other causes could lead to a disastrous crash.
In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of train accidents, their impact, and the many advancements made in accident prevention.
Causes of Train Accidents
There are many potential causes of train accidents that could lead to catastrophic harm. Below are some of the most common.
Human Error
Mistakes made by a train operator or other personnel continue to be a likely cause of train accidents. Operators should be fully trained in how to handle the engine, the train cars, and all elements of safely moving from one location to another. Operator negligence occurs when they fail to abide by their duty of care, and that failure causes injuries to others.
Similarly, when train personnel fail to follow proper procedures or safety guidelines, they can cause injuries to fellow workers or train passengers. Negligence in their duties may lead to mechanical problems, head-on train collisions, or other serious problems.
Improper Maintenance
A train is a behemoth vehicle comprised of millions of individual components. The engine itself is a highly complicated machine with both mechanical and technological aspects to care for. Each train, its doors, and the connections all require proper maintenance.
When workers or companies fail to maintain all necessary parts, this can lead to train derailment or other serious harm.
Crossing Accidents
In some cases of crossing accidents, the train operator is at fault. Most cases, however, are due to the negligent choices of another driver.
For example, many drivers try to beat the train to avoid waiting for it to pass. Failure to cross in time can lead to a devastating collision that injures not only those in the car but also those aboard the train. This is especially dangerous with commuter trains that carry passengers.
Statistical Trends in Train Accidents
Train accidents continue to be a prevalent cause of injuries. In fact, the number of train accidents has been relatively steady over the last decade and more. Just a few years of data demonstrate this by example:
- 2023: 2,192 collisions
- 2022: 2,213 collisions
- 2021: 2,154 collisions
- 2020: 1,904 collisions
The average number of fatalities typically hovers around 230-260 per year. The total number of injuries ranges from 690 to 851 over the last several years.
In addition, certain areas are hot spots for train accidents. For example, Texas ranked first for the number of train collisions in 2023, according to Operation Lifesaver.
Recent Train Accidents
A train derailment accident in Pennsylvania this year demonstrates just how dangerous they can be. The derailment occurred with three Norfolk Southern Trains in March 2024 in Lower Saucon Township, PA. The train was hauling boxcars and tanker cars which resulted in a diesel fuel leak and other contamination. Luckily, no one was injured in that accident. However, clean-up took a great deal of time and blocked traffic.
A more serious accident in Ohio made national news. A freight train carrying hazardous materials in East Palestine, Ohio, derailed on February 3, 2023. 38 total cars derailed in the accident and many burned for several days, releasing dangerous chemicals into the air. Residents within a one-mile radius were evacuated, and many people experienced side effects after inhaling dangerous fumes. The local environment was extensively damaged, and concerns still exist about water pollution in the area.
Impact on Passenger Safety
Some accidents have caused a significant loss of human life. Some of the most deadly train accidents in history include:
- Guadalajara Train Accident: Approximately 600 people died after an overpacked passenger train derailed at high speed.
- Bihar Train Derailment: Seven of nine train cars plunged into a river in India after a train operator suddenly hit the brakes over a flooded river, killing an estimated 800 passengers.
- The Maurienne Disaster: Considered one of the worst rail accidents in history, this derailment caused the deaths of between 800 and 1,000 people. Many of the train’s brakes were inoperable, and several wooden cars derailed at a mountain pass.
These days, federal regulations in the United States help prevent many of the causes of these past disasters. However, accidents still happen because of oversights, negligence, and choices to ignore safety concerns in favor of profit.
Safety Measures in the Rail Industry
Several innovations in train technology have vastly improved safety. Automatic braking systems stop the train in the event it detects obstructions or other issues. This can prevent derailment or high-speed collisions. Another essential improvement is positive train control (PTC). PTC utilizes hundreds of thousands of components to determine the direction, location, and speed of trains to help prevent accidents before they happen. The system warns operators of potential problems and can automatically stop the train when necessary.
Improved maintenance protocols also play a pivotal role. Federal regulations and industry standards set in-depth maintenance requirements and training, which prevents accidents before they happen.
The Role of Train Personnel
Personnel play a critical role in preventing accidents. Everyone plays a part, but a few positions are especially noteworthy. Train engineers are pivotal in the safe use of trains. They are certified personnel who must renew that certification every three years. They are responsible for:
- Operating the entire train
- Knowing the characteristics of the train
- Understanding the route, including speeds, crossings, and more
- Knowing the train schedules
- Receiving training in safety procedures and technology
Train conductors can also prevent train accidents. The conductor is the safety and operational expert. On a passenger train, conductors collect tickets and perform other duties. They may also ensure cargo is delivered and picked up in a timely manner. They help keep the train running on schedule while maintaining accurate records throughout the journey and ensure compliance with safety protocols and measures during decoupling, repairs, and transit.
Legal Implications of Train Accidents
Train accident victims may struggle under the weight of their physical injuries, the medical costs, and the lost time at work. The cost of catastrophic injuries can pile up quickly and you may not know what to do.
However, if you’ve been a victim you have legal rights, and an experienced attorney can help you navigate a train accident claim.
With the help of a train derailment lawyer, you can seek justice after an accident. Your attorney can help you by:
- Investigating the cause of the train accident
- Negotiating with train companies, insurers, and other responsible parties
- Seeking a fair settlement in your claim
- Navigating mediation or arbitration to help resolve the case
- Filing a train accident lawsuit in state or federal court
There are many potential avenues you and your train accident attorney can take to seek the compensation you deserve. You could be owed significant monetary damages arising from your injuries and trauma.
Public Awareness and Safety Campaigns
Ensuring the public knows about train safety helps prevent accidents in the future. Public awareness campaigns by private train companies and governmental agencies ensure people are aware of their rights, what is safe, and what could be dangerous to their health.
One of the most effective public awareness campaigns helps the public understand railway symbols and signals. For example, drivers must understand the importance of railway cross signals, when to stop, and what to do if a car becomes stuck on railway tracks. Knowing this information ahead of time prevents accidents that could otherwise be avoided.
Train Accident FAQs
Which is the biggest train accident?
The biggest train accident in history occurred in 2004, in the Sri Lanka tsunami train wreck. The wreck occurred after a tsunami off the Indian Ocean slammed into coastal railway tracks, killing at least 1,700 people.
Why are there so many train accidents?
Train accidents remain common because train companies, workers, and other individuals ignore safety rules and regulations. Innocent train accident victims are the result.
When was the last train derailment in the United States?
The most recent serious train derailment occurred in East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023. A freight train carrying extremely hazardous materials derailed, caught fire, and polluted over a one-mile radius. Several individuals were harmed as a result of the pollution and fumes.
What state has the most train accidents?
Texas had the most train accidents in 2023, with over 246 train collisions. These resulted in 16 fatal train accidents and 77 injuries.
Reducing Train Accidents with Technology and Awareness
Safety innovations and new technology continue to improve train safety, but accidents still occur. Improper maintenance, personnel error, or negligent drivers still cause hundreds of train accidents per year in the United States. Public awareness campaigns help reduce these numbers, but when you are hurt in an accident, you need help with what’s next.
At Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers, our train accident lawyers help with train derailment accidents, railroad worker injuries, and more relating to train accidents. We fight on your behalf to win you the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation of your case.
