Perspectives on Human Performance and Safety Management in NTSB Rail and Highway Accident Investigations

Abstract

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates accidents across transportation modes and maintains a Most Wanted List of transportation safety issues based on these investigations. This paper examines three investigations of rail and highway accidents conducted by the NTSB, highlighting the human performance safety issues of employee fatigue and distracted driving. The probable causes and safety recommendations resulting from these investigations are reviewed.