Apr 15, 2014 in News Rail Accidents

Rail Accidents: Railroad industry continues to undergo changes after train derailment

[caption id="attachment_6125" align="alignright" width="300"] (Photo credit: mzacha/RGBstock.com)[/caption] The railroad industry remains under scrutiny as Canadian and American governments draft safety measures to tackle a string of derailments, including the deadly Lac Megantic blaze that claimed the lives of 47 people in Quebec. In Canada, Irving Oil Ltd. announced that they would voluntarily convert its DOT-111 tank cars, which would contribute to a decreased likelihood of a deadly blaze. Older cars are expected to be removed from service by the end of April and railroad cars in service will only include DOT-111 tank cars built between 2012 and 2013. It's expected that these voluntary changes will affect the rest of the industry in North America, David Jeanes, the president of rail advocacy group Transport Action Canada, told CBC News. CN will also charge higher shipping rates for older tank cars. Investor Warren Buffet, who owns BNSF railways and a railroad cars manufacturer, also acknowledged the need for railways to update cars. The Transportation Safety Board recommended that the industry's DOT-111 tank cars meet enhanced requirements since newer railroad cars built with thicker steel were proven to be less damaged after the Plaster Rock, N.B., derailment. Other recommendations include creating emergency response plans along train routes that see large amounts of hydrocarbons moved and new guidelines on how to choose transport routes for hazardous materials. The TSB also recommended installing voice recorders in trains for investigation purposes, but this has met pushback by employees who are afraid that these could be used to monitor employees. The federal government also introduced a new directive to ensure that municipalities are informed when dangerous goods are transported through them. Meanwhile, railway companies operating in the U.S. have been urged to avoid passing through major city centres when transporting oil and slowing down the train's speed in areas with people. Also, crude oil will also need to be tested before it is shipped, which will also ensure that goods are labelled correctly, says the Federal Railroad Administration. Bakken oil, a crude oil shipped from the oil fields in North Dakota have been discovered to be more flammable due to its higher levels of natural gas. Both the Canadian and American governments have been reluctant to require older DOT-111 cars to be pulled out of service due to the cost of logistics, according to the National Post. Oil shipments have dramatically increased since 2009 with about 140,000 carloads travelling through Canada in 2013. This is due to an increase of production out west and in North Dakota. This spike of shipments has also led to more shipments through a busy Toronto neighbourhood, which has alarmed a local councillor. Personal damages resulting from a train derailment is a part of personal injury law and you can claim accident benefits. At Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers, we have over 40 years of experience in handling all types of accidents. We know the impacts injuries have on your life and your family's and we know how to help you. Call us at 416-920-4242. Set up a free consultation and come talk with us.