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Yes, the US averages more than 1,700 train derailments a year
http://www.khou.com/article/news/verify/national-verify/us-averages-more-than-1700-train-derailments-a-year-fact-check/536-a3d9e66c-b24a-4f16-a3a2-262942d50ec8
WHAT WE FOUND
From 1990 to 2021, there were 54,570 train derailments in the U.S. That’s an average of 1,760 derailments per year, or about 4.8 derailments per day, according to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).
On average, there are four deaths caused by train derailments each year.
The BTS began tracking train derailment data annually in 1990. Prior to that, the data was measured every five years. The BTS collects their data from the Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
The FRA defines a derailment as any type of train accident where on-track equipment leaves the rail for a reason other than collision or explosion.
Derailments are most often caused by track conditions, human error or mechanical defects, the FRA said.
Railroads are required to report all derailments with total reportable damages exceeding $11,500 to the FRA. The FRA told VERIFY that the low damage threshold is low enough to apply to most events.
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