Yes, well, that's what I want to know!

And how does that compare to accident rates for other transportation modes (again, using the various criteria above)?

You want to compare one thing, trains v. cars, which we all know the answer to -cars are more dangerous- and why this is the case; I want to compare another trains now v. trains then, which I don't know the answer to -are they really becomeing less safe?- and if so, why?  

Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. -Voltaire