Key takeaways
- Three in five Americans report having heard about the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train in East Palestine, Ohio.
- Americans are most likely to blame Norfolk Southern’s greed and their taking of shortcuts for the incident in Ohio.
- More than three in four support bipartisan railroad oversight legislation to prevent such catastrophes in the future.
Three in Five Americans Report Having Heard About the Train Derailment in Ohio
Democrats (65%) and Republicans (64%) are more likely to have heard about the train derailment than independents (48%).
- Those most likely to say they have heard about the derailment include those living in the Midwest (75%), Fox News-watching Republicans (70%), and white Americans (66%).
Most Blame Norfolk Southern’s Greed for the Train Derailment
Americans across party lines are most likely to blame Norfolk Southern “for being too greedy and taking shortcuts to save themselves money.” Democrats and independents are second-most likely to blame Republicans in Congress (46% and 23%, respectively).
Overwhelming Bipartisan Majorities Support Railroad Oversight Legislation
Large majorities of Democrats (net +82 support), independents (net +51), and Republicans (net +60) support legislation to provide more oversight into railroad carriers and improve industry safety regulations, along with at least three in four Americans in every racial group.
About The Study
Global Strategy Group conducted public opinion surveys among a sample of 1,000 registered voters from March 9-March 13, 2023. 100 additional interviews were conducted among Hispanic voters. 89 additional interviews were conducted among Asian American and Pacific Islander voters. 100 additional interviews were conducted among African American voters. 100 additional interviews were conducted among independent voters.