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-46- APPENDIX I

FRA LETTER

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION WASHINGTON D.C. 200591

Mr. John Reed

Chairman of the Board

National Transportation Safety Board

Federal Building

BOD Independence Avenue, s. W.

Washington, D. C. 20591

Dear Chairman Reed:

During the years 1955-1968, inclusive, the Bureau of Railroad Safety has investigated approximately three hundred train accidents involving collisions where, in most instances, the control compartment (cab) of the locomotive, multiple unit commuter car as well as diesel-electric unit, was extensively damaged or destroyed, resulting in the death or serious injury of the cab occupants. In addition, during the same period, the Bureau has investigated more than two hundred accidents in which cab occupants have sustained injuries as the result of seat failures. insecure cab accessories, and defective cab floors. windows, and doors.

Of this type accident most recently investigated by the Bureau were those which occurred on the Southern Railway at Parrish, Alabama, on May 12, 1969, and at Leadville Junction, Tennessee, on October 26. 1969, and on the Penn Central at Wellington, Ohio, on August 18, 1969. In addition, a similar accident but in- volving commuter-type passenger carrying equipment which occurred on the Penn Central at Darien, Connecticut, on August 20, 1969, was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board. A copy of the investigation report covering each of the fore- going accidents is enclosed for your ready reference. It should be noted that in each of these reports a reference is made to the design and looation of the engineer's control compartment or to the application.of a crash bar or other buffer device to the con- trol compartment end of the locomotive.

We-believe that this matter now warrants serious consideration with respect to recognizing the possibility and/or feasibility of effecting improvements in the design, location, and construc— tion of control compartments not only to enhance the safety of cab occupants in the event of collisions or derailments, but to achieve an optimum environment under normal operating conditions.

Accordingly, we are hopeful of arranging an informal conference in this office at 2200 p.m. on June 9, 1971, Conference Room No. 1234, which will he attended by representatives of loco- motive and car builders, labor organizations, carriers, and the Association of American Railroads to discuss this matter with a View toward developing some meaningful and substantive proposals which will ultimately result in improving the safety of railroad opera on.

It will, therefore, be appreciated very much if you will advise the undersigned at your earliest convenience if you desire to attend or to be represented at the subject conference. The Association of American Railroads is indeed welcome to invite the participation of appropriate carrier representatives, and we would welcome suggestions relative to extending invitations to others not included in this listing.

Sincerely,

Carl V. Lyon Acting Administrator

Enclosures

U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1981-0- 341-828/26