NTSB: Slight drop in 2013 transportation fatalities; rail deaths up
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
Transportation fatalities in the United States decreased by three percent in 2013 from 2012, according to preliminary figures released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Fatalities in all modes of transportation totaled 34,678 in 2013, compared with 35,796 in 2012. Deaths in marine, aviation, highway and pipeline transportation decreased, although there was a rise in rail-related deaths. Railroad deaths increased six percent from 840 to 891, which a vast majority of these fatalities continue to be trespassers struck by trains. "While this decrease represents a good trend, much more work needs to done, because 35,000 deaths is very troubling," said NTSB Acting Chairman Hart. "NTSB continues to address safety issues in all modes to reduce deaths and injuries on our roads, rails and waterways, as well as in our skies."
