DOT Safety Council; ten operating agencies, one goal

On several occasions I have written here that, "Safety is our highest priority." Today, I convened the first meeting of our newly created  DOT Safety Council, where DOT's ten operating administrations will come together to identify and tackle critical safety issues that cut across these agencies.

This Council takes our safety commitment to the next level.

Now, no one should doubt the capabilities of any of these ten administrations to enhance safety in their particular areas. But why not bring together the best practices of these agencies? Why not make it easier for them to share safety data?  Why not let the best minds of one agency offer a helpful perspective to the best minds of another agency?

If DOT can partner effectively with HUD and EPA on something like the Obama Administration's Livable Communities initiative, why not have agencies within DOT partner with each other on safety?

Now, they can. The new Safety Council, to be chaired by Deputy Secretary John Porcari, will underline the safety focus of all DOT agencies and improve the impact of all DOT safety programs.

Our new Safety Council--one DOT, one important goal.

Comments

[Michael E. Bailey]

This is a good idea. Bring safety experts from different areas of transportation together to exchange information on the common theme. And there are a number of important factors that cut across agency lines and transportation components. One is the requirements for operating crews be they air crews, train crews, bus or truck drivers, they need to be awake and alert and well rested. Risk assessment is another area of common interest. And establishing standards for equipment and personnel to meet is another. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.

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One is the requirements for operating crews be they air crews, train crews, bus or truck drivers, they need to be awake and alert and well rested. Risk assessment is another area of common interest.