FRAFinal Rule

Railroad Accidents/Incidents: Reports Classification, and Investigations Regulations

TransportationLabor & WorkplaceEnvironment

Summary

This regulation updates how the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) classifies, reports, and investigates accidents and incidents involving trains and rail systems. The rule establishes clearer standards for what counts as a reportable accident, how railroads must document these events, and how the FRA will investigate them to improve safety and prevent future incidents.

Key Points

  • 1Railroads must report accidents and incidents using a standardized classification system so the FRA can track safety problems across the entire rail industry
  • 2The regulation clarifies which types of rail events must be reported, making it easier for railroad companies to understand their legal obligations
  • 3The FRA gains clearer authority and procedures for investigating accidents to determine causes and recommend safety improvements
  • 4Better reporting and investigation helps identify patterns in rail accidents, which can lead to new safety rules that protect passengers and workers
  • 5Railroad companies may need to update their record-keeping systems and employee training to comply with the new reporting and classification requirements

Key Dates

Published

July 1, 2025

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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