Train accidents down in Illinois

Preliminary data from the Federal Railroad Administration shows that Illinois had 26 fewer train derailments and collisions in 2007 than in 2006. That's an 11 percent decline. The federal data released Tuesday says Illinois is one of 34 states that had fewer incidents. It's also one of 11 states that reported a decrease of more than 17 accidents. The agency calls 2007 the safest year in freight railroad history. Nationally there were 407 fewer train accidents, a 13.7 percent decrease from 2006. Experts say remote control technology is reducing accidents.