U.S. train accidents, derailments declined in 2005

The number of overall U.S. train accidents and derailments declined according to the latest statistics compiled by the Federal Railroad Administration. Preliminary full-year data comparing 2005 with 2004 shows that overall train accidents decreased 7.9%, including an 8.4% reduction in the number of derailments, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta. In addition, the number of highway-rail grade crossing fatalities declined 3.5% and the grade crossing collision rate reached an all-time record low of 3.81 per million train miles. Human-factor caused train accidents -- the leading cause of all train accidents -- decreased 12.8% last year, Mineta said.