Transportation

Bethesda, MD – Teens who ride with drivers who are impaired by drugs and/or alcohol may be more likely to drive impaired themselves, according to a recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Washington – An estimated 24,270 motor vehicle crash fatalities occurred in the first nine months of 2013 – a 3.7 percent decrease from the 2012 estimate from the same time period, according to a new report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Washington – A final rule from the Federal Railroad Administration requires railroads to implement “critical incident stress plans” for certain workers who witness fatalities or traumatic injuries.

Washington – A total of 1,353 people died from school transportation-related crashes between 2003 and 2012 – an average of about 135 fatalities per year, according to a new report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Washington – OSHA is looking to fill 12 positions on its Whistleblower Protection Advisory Committee.

Washington – The National Transportation Safety Board has scheduled a free public forum on April 22 and 23 to discuss safety concerns associated with transporting crude oil and ethanol by rail.

Washington – Interstate commercial truck and bus carriers would have to install electronic logging devices – previously referred to as “electronic on-board recorders” – in their vehicles to track drivers’ compliance with hours-of-service regulations, under an updated proposal from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Washington – The Metro-North Commuter Railroad’s emphasis on on-time service over safety contributed to four serious rail incidents in 2013, according to a Federal Railroad Administration report.

Washington – OSHA has released a new guidance document that focuses on how employers of temporary workers can comply with injury recording requirements.

Albany, NY – New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo (D) recently urged federal officials to speed up federal rail safety reforms, as derailments of trains transporting volatile crude oil continue to occur in North America.