Train Accidents Decline for Third Consecutive Year, Other Rail Safety Data Improves
WASHINGTON — The number of train accidents across the Nation declined for the third consecutive year according to preliminary 2007 data released by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters. “Our strong focus on improving rail safety is achieving significant results for three years running now,” Peters said, noting there has been 833 fewer train accidents, or a 24.6 percent reduction when comparing the period from 2004 to 2007. Peters stressed that some of the safety gains are attributable to aggressive implementation of the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) National Rail Safety Action Plan first launched in May 2005. It