Thursday, July 30, 2009
NTSB issues recommendations on train crash prevention
The National Transportation Safety Board on July 23 sent recommendations to federal rail officials to prevent incidents similar to a crash involving two Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority Green Line trains in Newton in May 2008.
The letter (.pdf file) recommends all rail transit agencies:
- Review medical history and physical examination forms to ensure they include medical history about sleep disorders, such as a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, and associated risk factors
- Establish a program to identify operators who are at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, and require they be evaluated and treated
- Establish requirements for immediately reporting issues with signals and acknowledging notification was received
- Develop and implement a Positive Train Control system
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