Feds say railroads must re-examine train assembly amid derailment surge

In recent years, there has been a surge in train derailments across the United States. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has now issued a new rule that requires railroads to re-examine their train assembly practices to prevent future accidents. Train assembly refers to the process of putting together a train by connecting individual railcars. The FRA's new rule requires railroads to review their train assembly practices and ensure that they are following industry standards and best practices. The FRA's decision comes after a series of high-profile train derailments, including one in 2013 in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, that killed 47 people. In that incident, a train carrying crude oil derailed and exploded, causing widespread damage and devastation. The FRA's new rule is aimed at preventing similar accidents from happening in the future. By requiring railroads to re-examine their train assembly practices, the FRA hopes to identify potential safety hazards and take steps to mitigate them. The FRA's rule also requires railroads to provide additional training to their employees on train assembly practices. This training will help ensure that employees are aware of the latest industry standards and best practices, and can identify potential safety hazards. Railroads have until the end of 2021 to comply with the FRA's new rule. While some railroads have already begun to review their train assembly practices, others may need to make significant changes to their operations to comply with the new requirements. The FRA's decision to require railroads to re-examine their train assembly practices is an important step in improving rail safety. By identifying potential safety hazards and taking steps to mitigate them, railroads can help prevent future accidents and protect the communities they serve.