Consider This from NPR After East Palestine Derailment, Are Railroads Any Safer?
Jul 25, 2023
Alan Shaw, CEO of Norfolk Southern, leads the discussion on the aftermath of the East Palestine derailment. Shaw reveals the company's commitment to recovering the community while pushing for industry-wide safety enhancements. He details new initiatives, including a comprehensive six-point safety plan and proactive labor engagement, aimed at redefining rail safety standards. The conversation also dives into contentious debates about crew sizes in train operations, showcasing the industry’s ongoing challenges to meet safety regulations and community expectations.
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East Palestine Derailment
- A Norfolk Southern train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, near the Pennsylvania border.
- The controlled burn of chemicals led to evacuations and health concerns among residents.
Frequency of Derailments
- Train derailments are a frequent occurrence, averaging more than every other day on main lines in 2022.
- While the East Palestine derailment gained national attention, other derailments occur regularly, often without carrying toxic chemicals.
Two-Person Crew Debate
- There's an ongoing debate about a bill mandating two-person train crews.
- The rail industry, including Norfolk Southern, has pushed back against this requirement.