Safety of train traffic

In 2021, the number of significant accidents in train traffic was higher than in previous years. One particular reason for the increase in the total number of accidents was level crossing accidents resulting in multiple deaths or serious injuries. In 2021, there were 25 significant accidents, of which 13 were level crossing accidents. However, the figures for a single year do not allow the conclusion that the safety situation in train traffic is becoming poorer. 

Passenger safety remained good, as it has been in previous years. VR Group Plc achieved its 2021 target regarding occurrence frequency in passenger safety. 

Accidents in train traffic

VR Group Plc reported 38 collisions with obstacles, 2 derailments and 9 fires in rolling stock in 2021. There were no collisions between vehicles in 2021. Collisions of trains with other rail vehicles have been rare in recent years: only one case belonging to this category has occurred in 2017–2021. Compared to previous years, there were more collisions with obstacles. The increase can be at least partly explained by the fact that in autumn and winter 2021 train drivers were requested to actively report collisions with banks of snow.

There were nine fires in rolling stock in train traffic in 2021, and one of these was classified as a significant accident. In 2016–2020, on average nine such fires were reported yearly. Typically, fires in rolling stock start in locomotive engine rooms or passenger carriages’ heating equipment.

Incidents in train traffic

As accidents in train traffic are rare and random variations play a major role in their yearly numbers, the short-term trend in accident numbers is not the best indicator for the development of safety. Incidents happen more frequently, and by monitoring their numbers and risk levels, a more accurate picture can be obtained of the development of safety. A change in the number of reported incidents may indicate not only changes in the safety situation but also in the culture of reporting occurrences. 

According to VR Group’s train traffic statistics, there were 27 cases of passing a signal at danger in 2021. In 2016–2020, an average of 33 cases of signal passed at danger have been reported yearly. These incidents occur at low speeds, and the automatic train protection (ATP) device stops the rolling stock as soon as the signal has been passed. When operating without ATP, however, the risks associated with passing a signal at danger are higher.

According to VR’s statistics, there were 4 hot axle box incidents caused by bearing failure and 260 hot axle box alarms caused by dragging brakes. Dragging brakes are a problem especially in the winter when snow and ice can accumulate on bogies and cause brakes to drag. In 2016–2020, there were an average of 154 hot axle box alarms each year.