Transportation Safety


FRA said it will soon increase its inspections focused on compliance with railroad operating rules, particularly those related to leaving rolling equipment so it is clear of adjacent tracks.

Track Fouling Deaths Bring First 2011 FRA Advisory

One death occurred in September 2010 in New Jersey, the other in February 2011 in Illinois.

DOT Announces New Plan to Repair Aging Pipelines

Following several fatal pipeline accidents, including one that killed five people in Allentown, Pa., Ray LaHood called upon U.S. pipeline owners and operators to conduct a comprehensive review of their oil and gas pipelines to identify areas of high risk and accelerate critical repair and replacement work.

This photo by Mike Purcell of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution shows a REMUS 6000, one of the autonomous underwater vehicles searching for the wreckage of Air France Flight 447.

Flight 447's Wreckage Found

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's team has discovered pieces of the Airbus A330 that crashed in June 2009, killing all 228 people aboard, raising hopes that its flight recorders might be recovered.

These concrete crossties were made by CXT Concrete Ties, owned by L.B. Foster, and installed at the Port of Vancouver (Wash.)

Automated Inspection of Concrete Crossties Mandated

In a final rule taking effect July 1, the Federal Railroad Administration requires computerized inspections, saying they are better than visual inspections at finding weak points.

Drivers cannot be expected to know how much space is available before they cross, the American Trucking Associations said in its comments.

FMCSA Urged to Require Signs at Grade Crossings

The agency is accepting comments about its proposed rule until April 29. Commenters say some or all grade crossings should have signs posted to warn truckers how much room is available on the other side of the tracks.

FCC Set to Approve Air Hazard Warning Systems

The proposed rule would clear the way for aviation safety technology installed by OCAS Inc. that already has FAA approval. OCAS, a Norwegian firm, won approval earlier this month from the Swedish Transport Agency.

The changes would reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent and also would reduce imports of foreign oil.

No Gasoline-Powered Vehicles in European Cities by 2050?

A European Commission white paper proposes this, envisioning a more efficient transport system involving roadways, air, and shipping to move freight and people. Greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by half, it forecasts.

ISEA Seeks Participants for Review of Revised Hi-Vis Public Safety Vests Standard

The standard specifies the minimum amount of background and retro-reflective material and the performance characteristics for such materials used in construction of public safety vests.



Experts to Discuss Truck, Bus Safety at NTSB Forum

The forum will be chaired by NTSB Board Member Robert L. Sumwalt and will focus on issues such as government oversight, carrier operations, driver training and licensing, driver safety and health, and enhanced vehicle safety technologies.

Hours of Service Changing for Passenger Rail Workers

The principal change in the Federal Railroad Administration's new proposed rule is specific limits for nighttime operations -- that is, work between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.

Ashok Srivastava (photo: NASA/Dominic Hart)

NASA Chat to Show Data Mining's Safety Value

An expert from NASA will join Capt. Jeff Hamlett, flight safety director for Southwest Airlines, at 2 p.m. EDT Wednesday to discuss how it is used.

NHTSA Releases New Child Seat Safety Guidelines

NHTSA said that its new guidelines are consistent with the latest advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics which advises parents to keep kids in rear-facing restraints until two years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer.

FHWA Launches New Bridge Safety Initiative

Under the new system, FHWA will replace the narrative with an actual grid of 23 specific inspection program areas to identify potential safety challenges more easily.

FAA reported more than 89,000 wildlife strikes from 1990 to 2008, and more than 97 percent of these were birds.

OIG Opens Audit of FAA Wildlife Control Program

The audit will begin the week of March 21, according to the letter sent by Jeffrey B. Guzzetti, assistant inspector general for Aviation and Special Program Audits.

The crash derailed one rail car, killing seven people and injuring more than 70.

No Prosecution for Company Blamed in London Rail Crash

Jarvis Rail Limited is in bankruptcy, and the families of seven people who died in the May 2002 Potters Bar crash felt there was nothing to be gained by proceeding with the prosecution. Network Rail, which owns and operates Britain's rail network, has pleaded guilty.

More Time Allowed for Comments on Wetlines Rule

Giving stakeholders 30 more days, the agency said several organizations said their members are struggling with concurrent rulemakings from DOT, EPA, OSHA, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Drivers can be fined and receive penalty two points on their licenses for using a hand-held cellphone while driving in New York City.

NYPD Targets Cell Use While Driving

A 24-hour crackdown took place Tuesday in the city to enforce a new law prohibiting use of hand-held cellphones while driving.

Heavier Passengers Bring Change to Transit Bus Testing

The Federal Transit Administration proposed a change in its bus testing protocols March 14 because its current assumption, 150 pounds per passenger, is no longer accurate.

The review indicated human error is the leading primary cause of incidents during loading and unloading operations.

Agency Wants More Hazmat Tank Truck Risk Assessments

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration proposed that every carrier or facility involved in loading or unloading a cargo tank motor vehicle perform a risk assessment and also receive training.

Garden Grove, Calif.-based Teletrac offers this HOS in-vehicle solution and a widely used vehicle telematics product named Fleet Director.

Comments on EOBR Rule Now Due May 23

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration extended the comment period after the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and the American Trucking Associations requested it.

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