On February 4, APGA attended an event at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C., in which the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced their 2019-2020 Most Wanted List. The event was originally scheduled for early-January, however it had to be rescheduled due to the government shutdown. The shutdown was a topic that was addressed right away. Because so many government employees were furloughed, investigations were unable to be conducted into many transportation incidents occurring during the shutdown. The result is missed opportunities to find solutions for incidents resulting in injuries and fatalities.
The event started with opening remarks from NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt who announced the 2019-2020 Most Wanted List. The chairman was joined by NTSB Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg, and Board Members Jennifer Homendy and Earl Weener for a panel discussion where each item on the list was discussed as well as the safety recommendations associated with the list. A question and answer session followed the panel discussion.
The Most Wanted List is the NTSB’s premier advocacy tool, identifies the top safety improvements that can be made across all modes to prevent accidents, minimize injuries, and save lives in the future. The 2019-2020 list includes:
• Eliminate Distractions
• End Alcohol and Other Drug Impairment
• Ensure the Safe Shipment of Hazardous Materials
• Fully Implement Positive Train Control
• Implement a Comprehensive Strategy to Reduce Speeding-Related Crashes
• Improve the Safety of Part 135 Aircraft Flight Operations
• Increase Implementation of Collision Avoidance Systems in All New Highway Vehicles
• Reduce Fatigue-Related Accidents
• Require Medical Fitness—Screen for and Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Strengthen Occupant Protection
These items are not ranked. Each item has recommendations associated with it. The item that is of particular interest to APGA members is the one regarding the safe shipment of hazardous materials. There are 45 safety recommendations associated with this item—the most of any item on the list. NTSB hopes to have at least five of them implemented by the end of 2020. According to the NTSB, “As infrastructure ages, the risk to the public from pipeline ruptures also grows.” They go on to state that, “We are calling on…the pipeline industry to conduct adequate risk assessments. Failure to meet safety standards by—or ahead of—deadlines places communities near railroads or above pipelines at an unacceptable risk.”
APGA is monitoring these recommendations and will keep members informed of any potential changes to regulation and legislation impacting their system.
For questions on this article, please contact Audrey Anderson of APGA staff by phone at 202-464-2742 or by email at
aanderson@apga.org.