& QA
2013 Safety Source
awareness, stimulate conversation and to challenge decision makers to action.
BM: “Preserving the integrity of transportation infrastructure” was among the categories identified for improvement this year. Why did NTSB choose to add this issue to the list? DH: The state of our transportation
NTSB Chairman Debbie Hersman.
Interviewed by ARTBA’s Beth McGinn
Beth McGinn: Late last year, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) unveiled its annual “Most Wanted List,” which identifies the top 10 transportation safety challenges for 2013. Can you explain to our readers the goal of the list as it relates to policy making and improving safety for American travelers? Chairman Debbie Hersman: The issues on the Most Wanted List reflects what the NTSB believes are the most important safety concerns that need to be addressed in a given year—and they focus on areas where we think we can have the greatest impact on improving safety and saving lives. Also, when we see a safety issue emerging from our recent investigations and safety recommendations, we can put the issue on the Most Wanted List to increase awareness. The strength of the program comes from our ability to raise
March-April 2013
infrastructure deserves greater awareness as a serious safety issue. And when lawmakers are debating where and how to spend dollars on infrastructure improvements, safety should have a seat at the table. A lot has happened since the early 20th century, when many of our rail lines were built and since the 1950s, when the national highway system was approved and thousands of pipeline miles were laid. Materials have improved, technology has advanced, and we have learned a lot about safety through our investigations. We have seen that as a nation, we don’t always provide sufficient guidance for the owners and inspectors of bridges, pipelines and other infrastructure across the country. While some assets must be replaced, with proper inspection and maintenance however, other parts of our transportation infrastructure can age gracefully and retain their structural integrity.
BM: While the “Most Wanted List” covers all transportation modes, six of the top 10 issues focus on highway travel. How did you decide which categories would be chosen? DH: We start with our investigations and
their associated safety recommendations and then we look at areas of transportation safety that need more attention. We’ve made great strides in making commercial airline travel safer. But if you look at the numbers, Americans are dying and being injured on our roadways. The NTSB’s mission is to make transportation safer. To do that, we have to focus our energies,
“The NTSB’s mission is to make transportation safer.”
BM: Has the NTSB made any specific recommendations in this area? DH: Yes, the NTSB has recommended
strengthening inspection requirements and standards. We have recommended that a risk-based priority be assigned to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of each structurally deficient and functionally obsolete bridge. Many of these recommendations were a direct result of NTSB’s investigation of the I-35 bridge collapse in Minneapolis.
our resources and our advocacy on making our infrastructure safer and changing the culture of driving.
BM: If our nation’s policy makers and thought leaders take away one thing from this important discussion, what do you hope it will be? DH: I agree with President Obama’s idea of
“Fix it First.” We should focus our limited infrastructure dollars on fixing our aging bridges, pipelines and other transportation facilities. Our infrastructure is being tested. We know that when these tests are failed, the results can be tragic. By investing in existing infrastructure, our critical assets will last longer and we can focus precious resources where new investment is most needed.
Beth McGinn is ARTBA director of public affairs & new media: bmcginn@artba.org.
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