Eastern Railroad Discussion > Derailments in the U.S?

How many do you all think occur on average in a day, a week a month? I know that many are not reported as they don't meet the minimum requirements for reporting to government entities.

Victor Baird



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/15/23 13:44 by wabash2800.

How many automobile accidents happen a day?  How many actually make the news?

I read that the statistics show about an average of 3 or 4 derailments per day.  This is probably about right.  Most are akin to an automobile "fender bender" and don't make the news.  Even if the damage reaches the reportable threshold.

In the last few days UP had one in or near Rawlins WY, one on the Golden State Route, one out in the Golden State, one in South Morrell NE and a rotary derailed, also I think in California.

Back in the so-called day, a good question might have been how often do a couple of wheels hit the ground, and the crew rerails the car themselves?

I'm just sayin'.

The US averages 1500-1700 derailments a day. Everything from minor to major is tracked. 

Gosh, what's your source?

Macster Wrote:
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> The US averages 1500-1700 derailments a day.
> Everything from minor to major is tracked. 

Macster Wrote:
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> The US averages 1500-1700 derailments a day.
> Everything from minor to major is tracked. 

Geez, I hope not. Even Mayor Pete didn't toss out any numbers like that!

TJY

BNSF just dumped a train on the ground near Needles. Essentially, they happen as we are not seeing any change in the frequency of derailments relative to 20 years ago.

https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?1,5647191



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/16/23 05:32 by AaronJ.

According to another source that got the information from federal records, it was about 2-3 a day in 2021-2022. But 1500-1700 a day??? Again, what's your source, Macster?  I suppose no one else is asking, as your number is so preposterous? Maybe you posted some BS and you are sitting there laughing. And now you will come back and say you made a typo?

Victor Baird



Edited 5 time(s). Last edit at 03/16/23 17:06 by wabash2800.

Macster Wrote:
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> The US averages 1500-1700 derailments a day.
> Everything from minor to major is tracked. 

I think you mean per year, not per day.  That's around 4 to 5 per day and would include everything from a single wheel off to piles of freight cars all over the right of way.  There's a lot more of the former than the latter.

I suspect his statements about all derailments reported is incorrect also.

Victor Baird