(Source: Grist, May 20, 2015)
NEW YORK — Despite the terrible derailment of an Amtrak train last week and a spate of other fiery accidents involving trains carrying flammable crude oil — five so far this year — railroad industry and government officials have taken pains to reassure the public of rail transportation safety. 2014 was “the safest year on record for the railroad industry,” the Association of American Railroads has boasted in web “advertorials” and statements to news organizations. But it’s a claim that, under scrutiny, doesn’t completely hold up to the numbers.
Full story: www.grist.org