NTSB CHAIRMAN RECOGNIZES SAFETY ACHIEVEMENTS IN RAIL, URGES CONTINUED VIGILANCE

[NTSB Press Releases <NTSBPressReleases@xxxxxxxx>]

Title: NTSB CHAIRMAN RECOGNIZES SAFETY ACHIEVEMENTS IN RAIL, URGES CONTINUED VIGILANCE

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                      NTSB PRESS RELEASE

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National Transportation Safety Board

Washington, DC 20594

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2008

SB-08-20

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NTSB CHAIRMAN RECOGNIZES SAFETY ACHIEVEMENTS IN RAIL, URGES

CONTINUED VIGILANCE

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National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Mark V.

Rosenker today 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

committees.

The full text of Chairman Rosenker's speech is available at

http://www.ntsb.gov/speeches/rosenker/mvr080514.html

NTSB Media Contact: Bridget Ann Serchak

202-314.6100

Bridget.serchak@xxxxxxxx

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