According to the most recent data from the National Transportation Safety Board, there are more than 890 during the average year. Each accident can affect hundreds of people and can lead to catastrophic injury and even death. At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas we are uniquely suited to take on these cases on behalf of the injured or their loved ones. Here are some of the most common reasons for train accidents.
Human error is the most common reason for train accidents
According to the United States Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration (otherwise known as FRA) 38% of train accidents are caused by error. This is a staggering number though it’s not surprising. After all, trains are run by humans and humans make mistakes. If you or someone you love was injured by a train accident caused by human error, then it’s essential you call us at 909-982-0707 immediately.
More than 1 in 4 train accidents are caused by lack of maintenance
About 29% of train accidents were caused by a lack of maintenance on structures, the track, or the roadbed. The FRA has determined that statistic and it’s easy to take it a step further to realize that if proper maintenance procedures had been followed, many train accidents could have been avoided altogether.
Errors with equipment make up a significant number of train accidents
Equipment errors, which includes mechanical defects, electrical defects, problems with handling equipment, problems with switches, and a failure to either remove or apply derails caused 12% of all train crashes in 2014, the most recent year the FRA has data.
Failure of mechanical and electrical systems
The FRA did an analysis that showed that about 16% of train accidents between 2009 and 2012 were primarily the result of electrical and / or mechanical failures.
Fewer accidents were caused by signal and communication errors than you may think
Many people assume that signal and communication errors are a significant cause of train accidents but the truth is that they cause less than 3% of all train accidents. This includes communication issues between the engineer and conductor of the train, problems with radio communications, and issues with railway signals.
The weather causes just 3% of train accidents
Poor weather can prevent an engineer or conductor from being able to see the tracks they’re traveling on. Between the years 2009 – 2012, weather was the culprit in about 3% of train accidents. The types of weather that can affect a train’s safety include:
- Extreme wind;
- Snow;
- Mud on the tracks;
- Floods;
- Ice;
There are laws created to prevent distracted train operators
As with cars, one of the biggest concerns people have about those operating trains is that they’ll be distracted while operating. In fact, as of 2008, the FRA has banned any rail employee from using their cell phone or any electronic device while they’re on duty.
At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas we have decades of experience working with clients in a wide variety of situations. If you need a qualified train accident attorney then you need to contact us. Call us today at 909-982-0707 for your free initial consultation.
