The number of freight train collisions declined 26.5% to 38 compared with the same period last year. Derailments were down 24.5% to 389. The number of yard collisions dropped 18.8% to 389. There were only three reported railroad employee deaths, compared with seven in the 2011 period.

The 738 large and small reporting railroads informed the FRA of a total 3,294 accidents/incidents, a 9.6% drop from the 2011 period.

"Rail-related" accidents were another matter. Trespasser deaths increased 12.6% to 185, and motor vehicle fatalities at grade crossings increased 7.87% to 83.