Rail accidents declined in Canada last year, TSB data shows

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) yesterday released its annual safety statistics covering the rail, marine, pipeline and aviation sectors in 2012.

Rail data shows a total of 1,011 accidents were reported to the TSB in 2012, down slightly from 1,022 in 2011 and a 10 percent decrease from the five-year average of 1,128. Reportable rail incidents totaled 204, the same figure as in 2011 and comparable to the five-year average of 202, TSB officials said in a press release.

Rail fatalities increased 16 percent year over year to 82 while trespasser fatalities "made up the largest fatality category with 49 in 2012," TSB officials said. In addition, there were 29 crossing fatalities versus 25 in 2011, and four railroad employees were fatally injured.

"Over a 10-year period, the downward trend continues in rail and aviation accident rates, whereas accident rates remain relatively stable in the marine and pipeline modes," TSB officials said.

The TSB is an independent agency that investigates railroad, marine, pipeline and aviation accidents and incidents in Canada.