I think we can safely conclude that both methods of transport are incredibly dangerous unless the infrastructure is kept up-to-date.
If pipelines are left to corrode (eg in Santa Barbara) and rail tracks and trains detach (eg in today's disaster), then you are going to have problems.
I wonder if underlying the problems is the effect of the profit motive over the long run. Managers want to maximise their returns and avoid spending money on new investment so as to drive up their pay, leaving the problems for the next sucker in charge.
The number of incidents has risen dramatically recently, as if the chickens are all coming home to roost at the same time.
If you don't regulate, the market decides. To pollute, that is.
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