GATINEAU, Quebec — Rail accidents and other incidents in Canada increased in 2022 from 2021, but remain below the level of the 10-year average, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada said in its annual review of transportation statistics released on Wednesday.
The review of events reported to the TSB across all modes of transportation also saw a year-over-year increase in marine transportation, as well as decreases in air transport and the pipeline industry.
A total of 995 rail accidents were reported in 2022, up from 898 in 2021 but below the previous 10-year average of 1,043. Of these, 111 involved hazardous materials, up from 86 in 2021 but below the 10-year average of 121. Just two of those led to a release of dangerous goods.
The 66 rail-related fatalities represent an increase from 60 in 2021 but again below the 10-year average (70). That figure included 52 trespassing accidents, an increase from 41 in the prior year, and 14 grade-crossing accidents, down from 17 in 2021.
There were also 52 occurences involving the uncontrolled movement of rolling stock, up from 48 in 2021 but below the 10-year average of 51. Uncontrolled movements remain an issue on the TSB’s Watchlist of top transportation safety concerns.
A more detailed look at the events covered in the statistics is available here.
In time, flying has become the safest mode of transportation; that’s a simple platitude (but also a solid reality) that almost everyone is familiar with.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
Looking at the TSB linked data table, “Main-track accidents per million main-track train miles” are the highest in the decade. While the NUMBER of wrecks is slightly down, the RATE has gone up.
Lipstick has been put on the pig.
Technically you’d be concerned with the NUMBER of wrecks than that RATE of wrecks…the NUMBER is what you’re always trying to lower. However, in the last statistic about uncontrolled movement of rolling stock, unless I’m missing something, 52 is ABOVE the 10 year average of 51, so an increase overall.