Transportation

Washington – The use of electronic devices while driving remained relatively unchanged in 2012 from 2011, according to a recent report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis.

Washington – In response to recent derailments, many railroads that ship oil will begin taking new safety precautions this year, under a new agreement between the Department of Transportation and the Association of American Railroads.

Washington – The Federal Aviation Administration published a final rule Feb. 21 intended to improve helicopter safety.

Columbia, SC – Shift workers are more likely to have a diet promoting chronic inflammation, which could partly explain the association between shift work and a variety of diseases, a recent study from the University of South Carolina suggests.

Washington – NIOSH has announced an inaugural symposium that will explore Total Worker Health, the agency’s strategy for advancing worker health by integrating health protection and health promotion.

Washington – Manufacturers must use a new official government label on mailings notifying consumers of vehicle and equipment recalls, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced.

Washington – Overall transportation-related fatalities increased 3 percent in 2012 from the previous year, according to preliminary figures released Feb. 14 by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has proposed establishing a national database of commercial truck and bus drivers’ drug and alcohol testing results.

Washington – Following a Federal Aviation Administration announcement that obese pilots may have to be screened for obstructive sleep apnea, the House passed a bill Feb. 11 that would require such a policy to go through a formal rulemaking process.

Morgantown, WV – NIOSH is seeking comment on the draft strategic plan for its Center for Motor Vehicle Safety.