Safety assurance and compliance program (SACP) : accomplishments for CY 2001

PDFResearch PaperRailroad safetyRailroad grade crossingsRailroad accidentsRailroadsRegional railroadsInspectionHazardous materialsFatalitiesInjuriesRailroad trainsUnited StatesUnited States. Federal Railroad AdministrationUnited States. Federal Railroad AdministrationNTL-RAIL TRANSPORTATION-RAIL TRANSPORTATIONNTL-RAIL TRANSPORTATION-Rail SafetyNTL-RAIL TRANSPORTATION-Railroad Highway Grade CrossingsUS Transportation CollectionThis recent research report by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), posted online, provides ease of access to information on the Safety Assurance and Compliance Program. The FRA promotes and helps ensure the safety of the nation's railroad industry through the enforcement of safety regulations and the onsite monitoring of railroad operations. The agency directs more than 415 federal safety inspectors in 36 offices nationwide and 159 state inspectors from 30 States. These inspectors oversee approximately 675 railroads with more than 220,000 employees; 265,000 miles of track with 257,000 highway-rail grade crossings; 100,000 railroad bridges; 1.3 million freight cars; 20,000 freight locomotives; and 8,880 passenger locomotives, coaches, and self-powered coaches. The rapid growth of new railroads and traffic in recent years has increased demands on monitoring railroad-industry compliance with safety regulations covering track, equipment, signals, the transportation of hazardous materials, and operating practices. Because of the limited number of federal and state inspectors, the efficient use of these resources is critical. The FRA's safety mission is to help prevent fatalities and injuries related to both railroad operations and the releases of hazardous materials from rail cars, and to enhance the security of railroad operations nationwide. Accomplishing this mission involves cooperative efforts among FRA, railroads, states, local communities, railroad contractors and suppliers, other federal agencies, and the public (especially members of the public who use highway-rail grade crossings or who enter onto railroad property). The FRA tracks the railroad industry's safety performance closely by requiring that railroads report accidents and casualties, by investigating major rail accidents, and by extensively inspecting railroads and shippers of hazardous materials. (36 p.