Rail Safety and Opportunities for Progress

Rail safety in the United States has significantly improved over the past two decades, with advancements in technology, infrastructure, and operations contributing to a safer and more efficient rail network. According to the latest data from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the train accident rate per million train-miles has dropped 31% since 2005 and 13% since 2023, while the hazardous materials accident rate has declined 80% since 20051. The implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC) since late 20202 has helped reduce the most catastrophic types of incidents. PTC is a federally mandated automated system that uses GPS, wireless communications systems, and computers to prevent collisions, movement over misaligned switches, overspeed derailments, and incursions into active work zones. 

Despite these gains, safety performance varies by cause category, and some areas—particularly grade crossings and human-factor incidents—show less improvement. This issue brief identifies areas where continued progress is possible and outlines potential strategies across grade-crossing safety, automated inspections, investment processes, and workforce development. Together, these areas represent key opportunities for policymakers and railroads to further strengthen safety outcomes.