NTSB Chairman discusses future of transportation safety.
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Press Release Summary:
NTSB Chairman Deborah A. P. Hersman said accident investigations show need for new perspectives on safety culture, record keeping, and aging infrastructure. When she spoke to audience at Transportation Research Board conference, she discussed four investigations, highlighted several accidents, and encouraged attendees to learn from them to prevent future accidents. In conclusion, Hersman commended work of former FAA Administrator Jane Garvey and former House Committee Chairman James Oberstar.
Original Press Release:
NTSB Chairman Discusses the Future of Transportation Safety
National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Deborah A. P. Hersman stated today that accident investigations highlight the need for a new perspective on safety culture, record-keeping and aging infrastructure.
In a speech to the audience at the Transportation Research Board (TRB) conference, Hersman discussed four investigations across all modes of transportation. She highlighted several accidents that claimed the lives of dozens and encouraged attendees to embrace lessons learned to prevent future accidents.
"If you're going to build a transportation project that's going to stand for decades, the foundation of future operating decisions may well be based on the original documentation. Make sure your records stand the test of time," Hersman said.
Hersman also emphasized the need for establishing a positive safety culture across all modes of transportation. She noted that 4 years before the fatal transit train collision on Washington's Metro system, a precursor incident led to the development of a test to detect the component failure involved in the 2009 tragedy. However, Metro failed to ensure that the new procedures were adopted and understood by their maintenance crews. "What Metro needed in 2005 was a safety culture that ensured that the lessons learned were communicated to all parts of the organization," she said.
During her speech, Hersman recognized the demands presented by aging infrastructure. "We believe - and Americans have the right to assume - that our infrastructure is built to last. And indeed it does last. We definitely got the extended warranty on some of those landmark projects. Unfortunately at the rate we're going we really needed the lifetime guarantee."
Concluding, Chairman Hersman commended the work of former FAA Administrator Jane Garvey and former House Committee Chairman James Oberstar, who were honored at the conference for their life-long work in transportation safety. "Let's build on their work by creating a culture of safety, making sure that aging infrastructure is not exempted from safety requirements, and keeping records not just for your successor, but for your successor's successor," Hersman said.
"Investing in safety is not discretionary; like justice, safety deferred is safety denied," Hersman said.
The complete text of Chairman Hersman's speech may be obtained on the Board's website at http://www.ntsb.gov/speeches/hersman/daph110126.html.
