New tool from the National League of Cities shows derailments, incident details across the country.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the National League of Cities (NLC) launched an interactive map showing the frequency of train derailments across the country. The map allows users to see an overview of derailments and dive deeper into details on specific incidents.
“With rail tracks running through the middle of thousands of cities, towns and villages, derailments are a big concern for residents who want to keep their families and businesses safe,” said Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the National League of Cities. “Our new rail map shows what local leaders already know to be true – train derailments and safety issues are happening far too often and in far too many places. Every day in the U.S., an average of three trains derail with as many as half potentially carrying hazardous substances. Communities are calling on Congress to move legislation to ensure that rail moves safely in America.”
The map displays railroad derailments between 2012 and 2023 as compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Rail Administration. The map accounts for all railway networks in the U.S. and the congressional districts where derailments occurred. The top 5 states with derailments over the last decade are Texas, Illinois, California, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
NLC supports the bipartisan Senate Railway Safety Act of 2023 (S.576), which includes a number of key provisions to improve rail safety in the U.S. The legislation includes enhancing safety procedures for trains carrying hazardous materials, preventing wheel bearing failures, supporting communities impacted by rail disasters and more. It was passed by the Senate Commerce Committee on May 8, 2023, and is now awaiting a vote in the Senate.
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The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people across the country. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.