United States Government Publishing Office publisher pbl distributor dst United States Government Accountability Office author aut Government Organization text government publication eng GAOREPORTS Legislative Agency Publications gao legislative 2010-08-12 U.S. Government Printing Office 2007-01-26 monographic deposited born digital 70 p. GA 1.13:GAO-07-149 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-GAO-07-149 P0b002ee1803a2e36 f:d07149 DGPO 2010-08-12 2011-03-23 GAOREPORTS-GAO-07-149 machine generated eng fdlp REPORT GAOREPORTS-GAO-07-149 GAO-07-149 Accident prevention Accidents Agency evaluation Inspection Performance measures Policy evaluation Railroad accidents Railroad industry Railroad regulation Railroad safety Risk management Safety regulation Safety standards Strategic planning Transportation Government agency oversight Policies and procedures Program goals or objectives FRA National Rail Safety Action Plan Other Written Product A65187 Since 1980, the train accident rate has improved significantly, but progress has leveled off over the past 10 years. Recent serious accidents--such as one in Graniteville, South Carolina, that led to 9 deaths and 292 injuries--elevated concerns. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) develops safety standards and inspects and enforces railroads' compliance with these standards. This report addresses how FRA (1) focuses its efforts on the highest priority risks related to train accidents in planning its oversight, (2) identifies safety problems on railroad systems in carrying out its oversight, and (3) assesses the impact of its oversight efforts on safety. To complete this work, GAO reviewed FRA regulations, planning and policy documents, and safety data. GAO also contacted FRA officials in headquarters and three regional offices and others. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-GAO-07-149/html/GAOREPORTS-GAO-07-149.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-GAO-07-149/pdf/GAOREPORTS-GAO-07-149.pdf GAO-07-149 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-GAO-07-149 Other Written Product GAO-07-149; Rail Safety: The Federal Railroad Administration Is Taking Steps to Better Target Its Oversight, but Assessment of Results Is Needed to Determine Impact; Accident prevention Accidents Agency evaluation Inspection Performance measures Policy evaluation Railroad accidents Railroad industry Railroad regulation Railroad safety Risk management Safety regulation Safety standards Strategic planning Transportation Government agency oversight Policies and procedures Program goals or objectives FRA National Rail Safety Action Plan