Over the past decade, more than 3,000 rail accidents have been attributed to human errors and track defects, resulting in 23 fatalities and nearly 1,200 injuries. Despite these alarming statistics, federal railroad regulators have largely failed to implement critical safety recommendations from accident investigations. This situation raises substantial concerns regarding passenger safety on U.S. railroads.
Inaction on Safety Recommendations
A significant analysis by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism reveals that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has adopted only five out of 81 safety recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) since 2015. This makes the FRA the least effective regulatory agency within the Department of Transportation concerning safety reforms.
Tragic Accidents Highlight Regulatory Failures
The investigation identified several key accidents that underscore these failures. A notable incident occurred on September 25, 2021, when Amtrak’s Empire Builder derailed near Joplin, Montana, resulting in three deaths and 49 injuries. The NTSB attributed the accident to worn rail tracks managed by BNSF Railway, calling attention to the company’s inadequate inspection practices.
- Date: September 25, 2021
- Accident: Amtrak Empire Builder derailment
- Deaths: 3
- Injuries: 49
The NTSB highlighted the urgency of regulatory oversight on track replacement guidelines and worker fatigue management. However, these recommendations appear to have fallen on deaf ears.
Unaddressed Safety Concerns and Fatigue Issues
The FRA reported having 102 active safety recommendations, dating back as far as 1998. Over 70% of these recommendations remain unfulfilled. Despite some assurances from FRA officials about future action, significant inaction still exists.
The Howard Center’s analysis insists on a recurring cycle of resistance from the railroad industry, inaction from the FRA, and tacit support from Congress, resulting in tragic outcomes.
The Impact of Workload on Safety
Increased workloads for railroad inspectors contribute to safety deficiencies. For instance, BNSF Railway uses automated inspections to cut costs and streamline inspections, despite evidence suggesting that automation cannot completely replace human oversight. As one inspector noted, high workloads compromise their ability to identify defects effectively.
Ongoing Industry Influence
Railroads like BNSF, Norfolk Southern, and Union Pacific have pushed back against regulations intended for crew safety and track inspections, even arguing that these mandates are too burdensome. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has lobbied for reduced human inspection requirements, promoting reliance on automated checks that may overlook critical safety issues.
Fatigue-Related Incidents
Fatigue among railroad workers remains a significant safety concern. From 2015 to 2024, fatigue-related accidents resulted in at least nine deaths and over 300 injuries. Despite being told to report fatigue, many workers express fear of retribution from employers.
Conclusion: The Need for Urgent Reform
The history of regulatory inaction coupled with industry lobbying presents a troubling picture for rail safety. It highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to protect lives and ensure that safety recommendations are not merely recommendations but enforced standards. Only through consistent and effective oversight can the tragic consequences of neglect be prevented in the future.
