Railroad statistics from your Ohio FELA railroad accident attorneys

The railroad industry plays a critical role in the U.S. economy, but it doesn’t come without flaws.

The railroad industry is an ever-changing landscape due to demanding economic needs and shifts in the automobile, bus and air transportation systems. Yet, railroads still play an important role in the U.S., transporting freight and connecting businesses with each other across the nation. As more passengers begin boarding trains and employees seek occupations in the railroad industry, the Ohio railroad injury lawyers want you to understand the very nature of the U.S. railway system:

• • The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) seeks to increase and enforce railway safety regulations, administer railroad assistance programs, conduct research and development in support of improved railroad safety and national rail transportation policy, provide for the rehabilitation of Northeast Corridor rail passenger service and consolidate government support of rail transportation activities. (Source: Federal Railroad Administration)
• The FRA was created by the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 (49 U.S.C. 103, Section 3(e) (1)).
• In the U.S., there are approximately 200,000 miles of railroad tracks and more than 600 railroads. (Source: Federal Railroad Administration)
• Railroads spend more than $20 billion each year maintaining, renewing and expanding their tracks and equipment. (Source: Association of American Railroads)
• In 2006, the freight railroad industry produced over 1.77 trillion ton-miles that generated revenue of $54 billion. (Source: Federal Railroad Administration)
• Seven major railroad systems accounted for 93 percent of the industry's total revenue, even though the rail industry is composed of over 550 carriers. (Source: Federal Railroad Administration)
• The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, or Amtrak, is a for-profit corporation that operates intercity passenger rail services in 46 states and the District of Columbia, in addition to serving as a contractor in various capacities for several commuter rail agencies. (Source: Federal Railroad Administration)
• Amtrak was created by Congress in the Rail Passenger Service Act of 1970 and was incorporated into the District of Columbia in 1971. An average of more than 70,000 passengers ride on up to 300 Amtrak trains per day. (Source: Amtrak)
• Amtrak operates a nationwide rail network, serving more than 500 destinations in 46 states on 21,000 miles of routes, with nearly 19,000 employees. (Source: Amtrak)
• A motorist is 20 times more likely to die in a crash involving a train than in a collision involving another motor vehicle. (Source: Operation Lifesaver)
• Three out of four railroad grade crossing crashes occur within 25 miles of a motorist's home. Fifty percent of all crashes occur within five miles of home. (Source: Operation Lifesaver)
• In 2007, there were 2,728 highway-rail collisions in the U.S. resulting in 986 injuries and 339 fatalities. (Source: Federal Railroad Administration)

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a railroad accident, let our Ohio FELA railroad accident attorneys fight for you and prove that our experience, resources and determination can win you the compensation you deserve. Just call our toll-free legal consultation hotline at 1-800-ELK-OHIO or fill out our no-cost, obligation-free online case evaluation form.