NTSB Safety Recommendations Frequently Disregarded

October 14, 2010

Whether traveling by plane, train, car or boat, Americans rely on the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to help ensure their safety. The NTSB is an independent federal agency with the mission to promote transportation safety. A major part of its work includes conducting safety studies and investigations to determine the probable cause of transportation accidents. The NTSB then issues its recommendations to agencies and industries that are encouraged to adopt them.

As it turns out, the NTSB's suggestions are often ignored.

Examples of Unheeded Warnings

Over the past three decades, more than 700 people have died in plane crashes caused by ice building up on aircraft wings. For the majority of that time the NTSB had been pressuring the FAA to adopt recommendations aimed at reducing icing dangers. Similarly, the NTSB's more than 30 recommendations aimed at preventing pilot fatigue were ignored for years until Congress finally decided to act on the issue.

When the NTSB issued a recommendation requiring child safety seats for children under eight (auto accidents are the leading cause of death for those under age 34), it took four years until any state passed the recommended law and many still have not.

During the last 10 years the average time agencies, states and industries have taken to implement NTSB recommendations has increased from roughly three years to over five years.

Reasons for Inaction on NTSB Recommendations

There are many reasons why the largely valid NTSB recommendations are frequently not adopted. The NTSB does not consider cost when making recommendations, which often may prove prohibitive. And special interest groups, including unions and industries, work diligently to prevent the passage of rules that appear intrusive or difficult to execute. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, nearly 2,000 lobbyists were employed by such groups in 2009.

Positive Change

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood made a commitment to make safety a top priority. LaHood has backed that promise up with action. During only the first part of 2010 the DOT has completed more NTSB safety recommendations than during any of the last five years. If other agencies and states begin to follow this lead Americans will enjoy much safer transportation systems.

If you or a loved one is injured while traveling due to inadequate safety measures you should contact a lawyer. An attorney can advise you of your rights and evaluate whether you have any potential claims.

Article provided by The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C.
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