Transportation Safety


Scientists Aim to Eliminate Phantom Traffic Jams

Traffic speed and how many cars are on the road, or density, are used to calculate the conditions of these jams. Understanding how they form could someday help design better roadways.

Bike to Work Week is May 17 through May 21

Gear Up for Bike-to-Work Week, May 17-21

The Department of Motor Vehicles reported fewer cyclist injuries in 2009 than 2008, with 2,730 cyclists hurt and 12 killed in traffic crashes in NYC last year, compared to 2,916 injuries and 26 deaths in 2008. The department adds that the trend stretches back more than a decade.

The analysis of heavy truck accidents in Europe showed truckers are seldom at fault for injury accidents.

Trucking Industry Bullish on Future, Tonnage

"All modes of freight transportation were impacted by the 'Great Recession,' but I'm growing more optimistic about the long-term outlook," said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. "There are certainly some risks, but I think better days do lie ahead for the freight hauling business."

Treating Truck Drivers with Sleep Apnea Offers Safety, Health Benefits

“Addressing OSA in the workplace offers the possibility of early identification and intervention for a chronic disease that is associated with increased health benefit utilization," said Dr. Benjamin Hoffman, chief medical officer of Waste Management Inc.

First Meeting Set for Future of Aviation Advisory Committee

DOT's headquarters in Washington, D.C., is the location for the May 25 meeting, which will be open to the public.

High-speed train

FRA Proposes Rule to Improve High-Speed Rail, Track Interaction Safety

The proposal would revise existing limits for vehicle response to track conditions and establish safety limits for wheel profile and truck equalization.

N.Y. Railroad Reprimanded after Whistleblower Complaint

After an investigation, OSHA ordered the rapid transit company to take corrective action, including expunging disciplinary actions and references to them from various records as well as compensating the worker for lost wages resulting from the suspension.

A trucker exposed to the sun.

SLU Study Finds More Left-Side Skin Cancer

While professional drivers have to worry about speed traps, weight restrictions, and traffic jams, many don't consider the effects of prolonged sun exposure from driving.



Don Osterberg

Schneider National VP to Receive Safety Leadership Award

The Truck Safety Coalition will present the honor May 11 at the Sleep Apnea & Trucking Conference in Baltimore.

Air Carrier Ordered to Reinstate Pilot in AIR21 Action

After being fired for reporting FAA violations, the pilot filed a complaint with OSHA alleging retaliation under the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century, the aviation industry whistleblower law.

Study shows essentiality of trucking

USDA, DOT Study Notes Need for U.S. to Keep On Trucking

Currently, more than 80 percent of cities and communities are served exclusively by trucks, especially the rural areas where rails and waterways do not reach. The first and last movements in the supply chain from farm to grocery store are by truck.

This photo of the famed Chicago skyline comes from the tourism office of the city.

Act Now to Present at ASSE's Centennial Conference

July 16, 2010, is the deadline for proposals from potential speakers eager to be on the program of the June 12-15, 2011, meeting, which will be in the perfect location: downtown Chicago.

The Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010 would require the enactment of a new safety standard on unintended acceleration.

Bill Would Require Unintended Acceleration Standard

To be debated in a May 6 hearing by the House Education Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection, the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010 also would require all vehicles to have event data recorders that record crash data.

Injury Researcher Accepting Calderone Prize Next Week

Susan P. Baker, considered a pioneer in injury prevention, will receive one of public health's most important honors May 6 at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health in New York City.

FAA Proposes $348,000 Civil Penalty Against Chautauqua Airlines

“An air carrier’s maintenance program can’t function without a good system to determine compliance with airworthiness directives,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “Problems with the AD system are inconsistent with an airline’s continued safe operation.”

NSTB Announces Professionalism in Aviation Forum

Available to the public as a webcast, the May 18-20 event stems from recent incidents including the Colgan Air flight 3407 crash in February 2009.

Fewer miles traveled, fewer beginning motorcyclists, and increased state attention to motorcycle safety programs helped to lower the fatality numbers in 2009.

Sharp Drop in 2009 Motorcycle Deaths Predicted

The Governors Highway Safety Association projects that fatalities fell nationwide from 5,290 in 2008 to 4,762 or fewer in 2009, marking the first decline after 11 years of increases.

This Argonne National Laboratory photo shows a scientist describing work on ways to store more energy in batteries.

Next-Gen Batteries Could Ease Transportation Concerns

A May 3-4 symposium at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory will discuss batteries that store more energy and are safer and more stable than today's lithium-ion batteries.

The COSTHA 2010 Annual Forum & Expo, a gathering of professionals who are experts in the safe movement of hazardous materials and goods around the world.

Hazmat Movers Heading to St. Petersburg

The COSTHA 2010 Annual Forum & Expo, a gathering of professionals who are experts in the safe movement of hazardous materials and goods around the world, begins Sunday.

This photo from the Iceland News site shows the ash cloud rising from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano.

Airlines Losing $200 Million Daily from Disruption: IATA

Flights in England are halted until at least Saturday evening. Authorities said the situation worsened Friday.

Featured

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars