New Railroad Rules Aim to Prevent Oil Tank Fires in Canada, US

If you’ve ever seen a mile-long freight train and wondered how safe those tank cars were, know this: they are about to get a lot safer.

After recent accidents caused oil tank cars to explode, officials realized it was time to update railroad regulations and give these old tanks an upgrade.

The U.S. and Canada have devised new standards, requiring tougher railroad cars for carrying flammable liquids, and a retrofit plan for the older ones.

The rules require better brakes, lower speed limits through cities and towns and protective “jackets” to protect the cars from catching fire if they derail. They are expected to take effect in phases over the course of the next five years.

Since 2008, the number of crude oil shipments by rail in North America has increased by 4,000 percent, but safety regulations were unchanged.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx says even a 99.9% safety record isn’t good enough. He said the U.S. and Canada “have to strive for perfection” in preventing all tank car crashes and fires.

(WATCH the video below and READ more at NBC News) Photo by Sam Beebe, Ecotrust – Story tip by Carilyn

Send this story down the line by sharing (below)…