HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS
Hazardous Materials Incidents (monthly data, not seasonally adjusted)
All 2002 data are preliminary
Hazardous Materials Serious Incidents (monthly data, not seasonally adjusted)
All 2002 data are preliminary
Flammable liquids (e.g., gasoline) comprise the most tonnage and ton-miles of hazardous material shipments. Gasoline usage peaks in the summer and accounts for the seasonality in hazardous materials incidents.
| Hazmat Incidents | Apr-01 | Apr-02* |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 1,561 | 1,353 |
| Hamat incidents percent change from same month previous year | 15.80 | -13.32 |
| Hazmat Serious Incidents | Apr-01 | Apr-02* |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 51 | 21 |
| Hazmat serious incidents percent change from same month previous year | 82.14 | -58.82 |
NOTES: The current value is compared to the value from the same period in the previous year to account for seasonality.
Incident reporting requirements were extended to intrastate motor carriers on Oct. 1, 1998. Beginning in April 1993, there was sharp improvement in reporting of incidents by small package carriers.
A reported incident is a report of any unintentional release of hazardous material while in transportation (including loading, unloading, and temporary storage). It excludes pipeline and bulk shipments by water, which are reported separately.
Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) defines serious incidents as incidents that involve a fatality or major injury due to a hazardous material, closure of a major transportation artery or facility or evacuation of six or more persons due to the presence of a hazardous material, or a vehicle accident or derailment resulting in the release of a hazardous material.
SOURCE: U. S. Department of Transportation, Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), Office of Hazardous Materials, Planning and Analysis, Hazardous Materials Information System data obtained through personal communication.