Authors: U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

Date of Publication:  December 1971

Sponsoring Agency:  U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

Performing Organization:  U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

Report No: NTSB-RSS-71-3

Abstract:

Railroad signal systems, even though performing as designed, do not compensate for human failure and prevent accidents.  Many collisions attributable to negligence of employees result from lack of compliance with operated rules which do not relate compatibly with the signal systems.

A relationship is developed between signal systems, operating rules, and the human element that is responsive to both.Specific cases are cited in which the discrepancies are exposed and examined within the context of the foregoing.

Recommendations are directed to the Federal Railroad Administration that they take steps under the increased scope of authority of the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970, to develop a comprehensive program for future requirements in signal systems and operating rules that will reduce or eliminate the present ambiguities and lax, ill-defined operating rules.
 

No. of Pages:  15