Transportation FOREWORD The National Transportation Safety Board was created by the Department of Transportation Act of 1966, which simultaneously established the Department of Transportation. The Independent Safety Board Act of 1974 established the Safety Board as an entirely independent Federal agency, and broadened the responsibilities of the Board in the investigation and prevention of transportation accidents. The Board is charged with: Investigating certain aviation, highway, railroad, pipeline and marine accidents. Reporting publicly on the facts, conditions and circumstances and the cause or probable cause of such accidents. • Issuing periodic reports to the Congress and to Federal, State and local transportation safety agencies and others recommending measures to reduce the likelihood of transportation accidents. • Initiating and conducting special transportation safety studies and investigations. • Assessing accident investigation methods and publishing periodic recommendations on investigation procedures. Establishing requirements for reporting accidents to the Board. • Evaluating and publishing findings on the transportation safety consciousness and accident prevention efficacy of other Government agencies. • Evaluating the adequacy of hazardous materials transportation safeguards and procedures. • Reviewing on appeal the suspension, amendment, modification, revocation or denial of certain operating certificates, documents, or licenses issued by the Federal Aviation Administrator and by the Commandant of the Coast Guard. The responsibility and authority of the National Transportation Safety Board are derived from: iii The Transportation Safety Act of 1974, Title III: "Independent Safety Board Act of 1974." (88 Stat. 2156, 49 U.S.C. 1901). The Federal Aviation Act of 1958, August 23, 1958, as amended, (72 Stat. 7311, 49 U.S.C. 1301). The Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970, October 16, 1970 (84) Stat. 791, 45 U.S.C. 421). iv I |