NTSB Adds and Removes Several Items to Most Wanted List of Safety Improvements

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued its 2009 Federal Most Wanted List of safety improvements. Newly added to the list of 15 areas of concern were: Improve Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Flight Operations, Restrict the Use of Cell Phones by motorcoach drivers, and require Electronic On-Board Recorders by all motor carriers.

Among the issues removed from the list were positive train control and fatigue in the railroad industry, both of which have been on the list since its inception in 1990, and aircraft fuel tank flammability.

"Our Most Wanted List, which was created in 1990, was designed to raise the public's awareness and support for transportation safety issues," said NTSB Chairman Mark V. Rosenker. "The safety issues on this list are critical to improving transportation safety. When acted upon, these
recommendations will reduce accidents and save lives."

Included on the 2009 Most Wanted List:

• INTERMODAL ITEMS

Human Fatigue in Aviation, Marine, and Pipeline - The Safety Board has long been concerned about the effects of fatigue on persons performing critical functions in all modes of transportation. Fatigue in the transportation industry presents unnecessary risk to the traveling public. This issue has been on the most wanted list since its inception. Setting work hour limits based on fatigue research, circadian rhythms, and sleep rest requirements will reduce unnecessary risk to the traveling public.

Fatigue in the railroad industry was removed from the Most Wanted List today due to the Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2008, a provision to expand the Department of
Transportation's regulatory authority over railroad working hours.

"All of these safety related issues highlighted in the Most Wanted List should be addressed promptly," Rosenker said. "Though we are encouraged by progress being made, resulting
in some items being removed from the list, several of these safety concerns have been on this list since its inception. That is unacceptable. I urged the modal agencies to move on these safety recommendations immediately."

NTSB Media Contact: Keith Holloway (202) 314-6100