GATINEAU, QC, May 29, 2013 /CNW/ - Today the Transportation Safety Board of Canada released its annual occurrence statistical summaries for 2012. There was a decline in some specific areas within each mode, however small increases were also observed in other areas. Over a ten-year period, the downward trend continues in the Rail and Aviation accident rates, whereas accident rates remain relatively stable in the Marine and Pipeline modes.
Marine
In 2012, there were 286 marine accidents reported to the TSB, down from the 2011 total of 326 and the 2007-2011 average of 391. This represents the lowest number of reported accidents in 38 years. Marine fatalities also decreased. Marine fatalities totalled 12 in 2012, down from a total of 16 in 2011 and down from an annual average of 19 in 2007-2011. With respect to marine incidents, 274 were reported to the TSB, up from a total of 221 in 2011 and up from the annual average of 248 in 2007-2011.
Pipeline
Seven pipeline accidents and 173 pipeline incidents were reported to the TSB in 2012. The 7 accidents represent an increase from the 5 reported in 2011, but represent a decline from five-year average of 9. Incidents were up from 167 in 2011 and up from the annual average of 116 in 2007-2011.
Rail
In 2012, a total of 1,011 rail accidents were reported to the TSB, slightly down from 1,022 in 2011 and a 10% decrease from the five-year average of 1,128. There were 82 rail fatalities in 2012, up 16% from the 71 recorded the previous year, and up 8% from the five-year average. Trespasser fatalities made up the largest fatality category with 49 in 2012, down 4% from the five-year average of 51. There were 29 crossing fatalities in 2012, compared to 25 the previous year and the five-year average of 24. Four railway employees were fatally injured compared to the five-year average of 1. In 2012, there were 204 reportable rail incidents, the same as 2011 and comparable to the five-year average of 202.
Aviation
In 2012, there were 290 aviation accidents reported to the TSB, representing an increase of 13% over 257 in 2011, but comparable to the five-year average of 292. Aeroplane accidents occurred mostly on recreational flights (56%), then air transport (15%) and training flights (14%). Helicopter accidents occurred mainly on air transport flights (23%) and recreational flights (20%). There were 63 fatalities in total, down from the previous year's total of 67. A further 636 incidents were reported in 2012. This is a 6% decrease from the 2011 total of 677 and a 21% decrease from the 5-year average of 808.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates marine, pipeline, railway and aviation transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.
SOURCE: Transportation Safety Board of Canada
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