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. Railroads will be required to review their train assembly practices and make any necessary changes to ensure that they are following industry standards and best practices. This may include changes to the way that railcars are connected, the types of railcars that are used, and the weight distribution of the train. The FRA's new rule is a positive step towards improving rail safety in the United States. By requiring railroads to re-examine their train assembly practices, the FRA is taking a proactive approach to preventing future accidents and protecting the public. However, it is important to note that this is just one step in a larger effort to improve rail safety. The FRA and other agencies must continue to work together to identify potential safety hazards and take steps to mitigate them. In conclusion, the FRA's new rule requiring railroads to re-examine their train assembly practices is a positive step towards improving rail safety in the United States. By identifying potential safety hazards and taking steps to mitigate them, we can prevent future accidents and protect the public.