FELA Lawsuit

According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the number of train

accidents across America, including collisions and derailments, increased 33

percent from 1994 to 2005, totaling 3,325 in 2005. However, according to a

recent audit conducted by the Department of Transportation’s Inspector

General, the Federal Government investigates only 13 percent of the most

serious railroad crossing collisions. In contrast, the Federal Aviation

Administration made on-site investigations of 93 percent of accidents under

its jurisdiction.

Congressman Brian Higgins, a co-sponsor of the Railroad Safety Improvement

Act announced: “This week our Nation takes a substantial step forward in

better protecting rail passengers, workers, first responders and residents

in rail communities. Immediate investments in inspectors and work toward a

long-term safety strategy will lead to better infrastructure, accountability

and oversight.”

If the bill becomes law, it would:

1. Reorganize the FRA into the Federal Railroad Safety Administration, with

1. 1. safety as the explicit highest priority of the agency;

2. Double the number of federal safety inspectors to 800;

3. Provide funding for more track inspection equipment;

4. Increase civil and criminal penalties for safety infractions;

5. Reduce the number of hours railroad employees can work;

6. Increase the amount of rest time between shifts.

7. The Senate must also pass the bill before it can be given to the President
   1. for signature and become law.