Transportation

Washington – A series of ongoing National Transportation Safety Board investigations were delayed and “dozens” of new investigations could not be launched during the 16-day federal government shutdown, the board announced Oct. 22.

Salem, OR – Oregon high school students are invited to submit videos for the 2013 “Speak up. Work safe.” public service announcement contest.

Calgary, Alberta – Oil-carrying pipeline workers have a lower injury risk than workers transporting oil on railroads or roadways, according to a new study from public policy think tank Fraser Institute.

Chapel Hill, NC – Pregnant women involved in a motor vehicle crash have an increased likelihood of birth complications, according to a new study from the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health.

New York – Reports of people targeting aircraft cockpits with lasers have increased to 75 this year between Jan. 1 and Oct. 16 in New York state, compared with 64 in the same time period in 2012, according to an FBI New York office spokesperson.

Washington – Deborah Hersman was sworn in on Oct. 21 for her third term as National Transportation Safety Board chairman.

Washington – The Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Safety Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet Oct. 31 in Washington to address a number of rail safety topics.

Washington – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is adding rearview video systems – which show drivers what is directly behind their vehicle – to its list of Recommended Advanced Technology Features for consumer vehicles.

Wilkes-Barre, PA – A study from the McGowan School of Business at King’s College concluded that roughly 4 out of 5 college students read or sent texts while driving “at least sometimes,” despite the majority believing it is a risky behavior.

Washington – Beginning Nov. 1, Department of Transportation safety inspectors must follow new notification procedures when opening packages containing perishable hazardous materials that are deemed unsafe or non-compliant with safety regulations, according to a final rule from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.