NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD RELEASES 2015 “MOST WANTED LIST” OF TRANSPORTATION SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

On January 13, 2015, the National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”) unveiled its 2015 “Most Wanted List” of transportation safety improvements during the 94th annual meeting of the Transportation Research Board in Washington, D.C.

The list represents the organization’s top advocacy priorities, designed to increase awareness and support for “the most critical changes needed to reduce transportation accidents and save lives,” according to the NTSB website.

pictureActing Chairman of NTSB Christopher Hart tweeted that although “transportation is safer than ever… we can, and must take steps to do better.”

Four new items have made the list this year, with six others carrying over from last year’s list.

New Issues for 2015:

  • Improve rail tank car safety;
  • Strengthen procedural compliance;
  • Strengthen commercial trucking safety; and,
  • Require medical fitness for duty.

Returning Issues from 2014:

  • Disconnect from deadly distractions;
  • End substance impairment in transportation;
  • Enhance public helicopter safety;
  • Implement positive train control in 2015;
  • Make mass transit safer; and,
  • Prevent loss of control in flight in general aviation.

The National Safety Council (“NSC”) applauded NTSB’s list in a recent press release. “The NTSB’s Most Wanted List appropriately highlights two critical safety issues: distracted driving and prescription painkiller use,” said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of NSC. “Our desire to be constantly connected, even while behind the wheel, results in far too many deadly crashes, while the proliferation and misuse of prescription painkillers results in 46 overdose deaths per day. The Council thanks NTSB for keeping these important issues on its Most Wanted List, because continued attention and education are key ingredients of culture change.”

How this Impacts You

Unsafe and dangerous actions taken by those in the transportation industry can put lives at risk.  The effects of a fatal or serious injury crash can be devastating, not only for the person involved in the crash, but for his or her family, friends and co-workers.

If you or a family member has suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one as a result of a serious motor vehicle or truck crash, please consider contacting John David Hart at 800-247-1623 or johnhart@hartlaw.com to discuss your legal rights.  We are experienced in helping individuals and families deal with the devastating effects of serious truck crashes on the lives of those involved and are dedicated to helping you during this difficult time.