Train And Plane Safety

WASHINGTON (CN) - Life is in danger in one case because of human error, and in the other, mechanical.

After several significant train wrecks in 2005, many of which were caused by employees' not following the railroad companies' rules, the Federal Railroad Administration issued an emergency order, expecting the industry to increase employee compliance of train and track operating rules. Since this did not occur, and since extensive hiring is likely to increase the problem, the Federal Railroad Administration has established procedures for greater accountability in railroad companies' implementing sound operating rules. The FRA will provide inspections, audits and fines to assure compliance.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires operators of certain plane models to fix the following problems that may occur in-flight: Bombardier: Fuel tanks may explode due to lightning strikes; ATR, Boeing and Saab: Fuel tanks may explode due to ignition sources in tanks; Bombardier and Taylorcraft: Wings may fall off; Boeing: Cockpit windows may fall out; Eurocopter: Main blade rotor head may come off; Airbus: Plane doors may blow open; Eurocopter: Wiring may short-circuit; Dassault: Emergency exit may not open when needed; Bombardier: Baggage compartment door may come off.

Click here for details and other new regulations.

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Email *

Submit