NTSB -- NTSB CHAIRMAN DISCUSSES THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION SAFETY

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NTSB PRESS RELEASE

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National Transportation Safety Board

Washington, DC 20594

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 26, 2011

SB-11-05

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NTSB CHAIRMAN DISCUSSES THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION SAFETY

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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.

NTSB Media Contact:

Keith Holloway, 202-314-6100

hollow@xxxxxxxx

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