Transportation Safety


Problems Remain in PHMSA's Hazmat Permits Oversight

The DOT inspector general testified Sept. 10 that the department's leadership has directed PHMSA to implement an action plan, but oversight of permit holders' safety compliance remains an issue.

Coast Guard Logs 25% Increase in Summer Search & Rescue Cases

"Our Coast Guard crews face risks each and every time they respond to a call--including hoax calls and reports of abandoned or adrift vessels," said Cmdr. Phillip Thorne, chief of the response department at Sector Northern New England. "Not only do these cases put responsible mariners in danger, the time and resources expended are a needless waste of money."

National Child Passenger Safety Week Begins Today

According to CDC, the use of booster seats has been found to reduce the risk for injury by 59 percent in children aged 4-7 years old, compared with use of adult seat belts alone.

NTSB to Get Report on Alaska Ranger Disaster

Thousands of pages of documents and testimony have been released since the fishing trawler sank in the Bering Sea with 47 crew members aboard. Rescuers saved all but five of them.

this is the logo of DOTs September 2009 Distracted Driving Summit

Have a Comment about Distracted Driving?

The DOT summit on the topic will start Sept. 30, but you can submit comments or questions now via www.regulations.gov.

Coast Guard Issues Safety Advisory for Busy Boating Weekend

“If we could communicate two messages for the Labor Day weekend they would be to simply wear your life jacket and be totally aware at all times of what’s going on around you,” said Al Johnson, the First Coast Guard District’s recreational boating specialist.

10 States Told to Develop Grade Crossing Action Plans

The Federal Railroad Administration's directive was ordered by Congress and affects states with the highest number of incidents in 2006-2008. Texas, Illinois, and California top that list.

NTSB Seeks Flight Data Recorders in Air Ambulances

Other key recommendations adopted Sept. 1 ask CMS to study whether reimbursement rates for transport flights should differ according to the level of safety provided and adopt a new rate structure if so.



In this NIST illustration of the HKUST-1 metal-organic framework, copper atoms (green) are exposed to the open air within the lattice-like structure.

Atomic-Level Research Heralds Safer Acetylene Shipments

Scientists working at the National Institute of Standards and Technology found that one gram of a lattice structure of copper oxide and benzene stores as much acetylene as today's high-pressure cylinder can hold.

HFES Journal Quantifies Texting While Driving's Effects

The study of 20 young drivers showed they were more likely to miss lane changes and to vary their lane position and following distances when texting as they drove.

The character "Dave" is featured in the ISRI 2-Minute Drill video series.

Scrap Recyclers Love '2-Minute Drill' Videos

The monthly series from ISRI's safety program is a big hit among member companies, Transportation Safety Director Thomas D. Herod says.

Study Finds Disaster Preparedness Need Among Disabled

A paper published in the September issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found households in which someone with a transportation-related disability lives have spent more time packing necessary supplies and identifying a safe place to meet, but they’ve done no more to become aware of evacuation routes or to create an emergency plan.

Designated Inspectors Required for Continuous Welded Rail

The Federal Railroad Administration's final rule says the largest U.S. railroads must train individuals to supervise the installation, adjustment, or maintenance of CWR track. A review of accidents found repairs weren't following the carriers' engineering standards.

the petitioners sought to allow high beam headlights to be twice as bright

NHTSA Denies Petition Seeking Doubly Powerful High Beams

But in rejecting the 2004 request, the agency said it is now making a comprehensive review of the lighting standard and studying the feasibility of many regulatory changes.

The National Truck Driving Championships course tested the ability to judge distances, maneuver in tight spaces, reverse, park, and position vehicles exactly

San Diego Trucker Wins 'Super Bowl of Safety'

The American Trucking Associations said Dale L. Duncan of Con-way Freight won the 72nd annual competition over 415 other drivers.

FCC to Host Webinar on How Broadband Can Enhance Homeland Security

Two panel discussions are planned, covering use of broadband applications by first responders and the impact of the technology on issues such as cyber security, pandemics, bioterrorism, and critical infrastructure vulnerabilities.

ASSE Honors 16 Members for Safety Excellence

A committee of peers chose the candidates for their contributions to each of the society’s various practice specialties, covering diverse fields, from academics to transportation.

Report Explores Best Visibility Options for Emergency Vehicles

The new report highlights the results of a Department of Justice's National Institute of Justice supported project intended to enhance emergency vehicle and roadway operations safety for firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other emergency responders.

New Web Site Offers Sleep Apnea Quiz, Information

"If you are frequently tired, your fatigue could mean that you are at greater risk for a number of life-threatening conditions, including cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure,” says Dr. Avi Ishaaya, medical director at the Aviisha Medical Wellness Institute. “Sleep apnea has been directly linked to obesity and weight gain, and many experts believe it is the number one factor for car accidents.”

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood

Eying Female Drunk Drivers, LaHood Starts Campaign

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood kicked off the national "Over the Limit. Under Arrest" anti-drunk driving campaign by releasing a new NHTSA study that backs up FBI data showing a surge in DUI arrests of women.

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