WASHINGTON — National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Mark V. Rosenker told members of the Association of American Railroads (AAR) that, while grade crossing accidents and railroad employee fatality rates have declined in the past quarter century, there is still room for improvement.
Addressing rail executives at the AAR’s annual safety awards luncheon, Rosenker called upon attendees to move more quickly on safety improvements by adopting new technology, such as positive train control and electronically controlled pneumatic braking, two of the technologies that show great promise for improving safety.
“As many of you know,” Rosenker stated, “I strongly believe that the development and implementation of new technology is important to improving safety across all modes of transportation, including the railroad industry.”
Rosenker went on to point out that, in addition to technology, the human element was critical to making positive changes in the rail safety culture. He encouraged the railroads to continue its efforts with such organizations as the Rail Safety Advisory Committee and he commended all in attendance who have served on safety acommittees.
