Transportation Safety


MH370 Deep-water Search Contract Awarded

Fugro Survey Pty Ltd will use two vessels to conduct the search of the sea floor, utilizing side scan sonar, multi-beam echo sounders, and video cameras as they search for aircraft debris.

Union Pacific Taking Applications for Safety Grants

The UP CARES program began in 2013. It supports community-owned railroad safety initiatives.

NTSB Announces Safety Study on Drug Use in Aviation

Acting Chairman Christopher Hart said investigators wanted to look more closely at pilots and drug use.

This FMCSA photo was included in NTSB

NHTSA Proposes More Passenger Protection in Motorcoaches

The agency has proposed a new federal motor carrier safety standard to enhance protections for rollover crashes.

Deep-Water Search for MH370 Starting Next Month

Australia's Joint Agency Coordination Centre announced the search will begin in September after ships mapping the sea floor in the new search area complete their survey work.

DOT Issues New Rule for Transporting Lithium Batteries

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration developed the rule, working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Two surveys of the residents of Paulsboro, N.J., after the 2012 vinyl chloride release showed more than half of them reported new or worsened health effects after the derailment.

Safety Board Determining Cause of Paulsboro Derailment Today

Seven cars in a Conrail freight train derailed Nov. 30, 2012, in Paulsboro, N.J., with one car carrying vinyl chloride ruptured as a result. New Jersey’s Department of Health reported earlier this year that its surveys of residents showed more than half experienced new or worsening health symptoms after the chemical release.

End of the Line

Tugboats completed the tow of the Costa Concordia to the port of Genoa, where it will be scrapped, on July 27.



GM Expects to Pay $400 Million in Ignition Switch Claims

Announcing net revenue of $39.6 billion during 2014's second quarter, the company said it took a $400 million special charge for its ignition switch compensation program.

OSHA and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Sign Agreement

The agreement strengthens protections for workers from coercion, retaliation.

The two DOT agencies are conducting audits, and PHMSA is making unannounced inspections, to ensure railroads

DOT Proposes DOT-111 Phase-Out, If Not Retrofitted

The agency has released details of an NPRM and an ANPRM, rulemaking efforts following the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's rulemaking last fall.

United Airlines Cited for Repeat,Serious Safety Hazards

The company faces $101,300 in penalties following an OSHA inspection.

Foxx, Predecessors Urge Congress to Address Transportation Needs

Their letter expresses hope that Congress will look beyond the Highway Trust Fund.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5021, a bill that would fund surface transportation projects through May 2015, by a 367-55 vote on July 15, 2014.

White House Launches Infrastructure Initiative

The Build America Transportation Investment Center, housed at DOT, will be a one-stop shop for state and local governments, public and private developers, and investors to utilize innovative financing strategies for projects.

Farming More Dangerous for Children This Time of Year, IOSH Warns

With most schools out of session during the summer, it creates more chances for danger on the farm. "It's worth looking around your farm with a child's view of the world," said Alan Plom, IOSH's Rural Industries Group vice-chair.

DOT's Freight Advisory Committee Issues Recommendations on the National Freight System

The committee's recommendations place emphasis on the importance of a long-term transportation plan.

Pilot Vehicle Driver's Cell Phone Use Contributed to Bridge Collapse: NTSB

NTSB investigators concluded that the driver's use of a cell phone distracted her and diminished her ability to recognize whether the height pole on her vehicle had struck the I-5 bridge last May.

EASA Moving Toward European License for Air Traffic Controllers

A committee approved the draft regulatory proposal last week. Once the European Commission approves, it is expected to take effect June 30, 2015.

Driver William D.W. Scott

NTSB Meeting Will Determine Probable Cause of Skagit River Bridge Collapse

The July 15 meeting in Washington, D.C., will be available as a live webcast. A section of the bridge collapsed after a truck hauling an oversize load struck its superstructure last May.

The uprighted Costa Concordia wreck awaits refloating and being moved to the port of Genoa. (The Parbuckling Project photo)

Concordia Refloating Set for July 14

A no-fly zone is in place and restrictions on ship movements in the area are in place, but no beaches will be closed when the operation begins.

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