RAILROAD ACCIDENT INVESTIGATOR'S HANDBOOK
The role of a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) inspector as an investigator of accidents is one of the most important parts of a primary objective of the FRA, Office of Safety, namely, the development of an effective, comprehensive railroad safety program. The program is aimed at establishing safe practices in the operation of trains; in conjunction with mechanical equipment, rolling stock, and the proper maintenance of track and structures. The program also provides for overseeing the enforcement of all Federal laws and regulations concerning the safety of railway empfdyees, travelers, and the general public.
Railroad accidents, generally classified as collisions, explosions, fires, the release of hazardous materials,and derailments, disrupt the regular traffic pattern of train operations, result in monetary losses arising from wrecked rolling stock and damage to shipper lading, track, and structures. Also they endanger human lives and often are hazardous to society.
In their efforts to improve the safety of their operations, the railroads have investigated, determined, and reported causes of accidents for many years. As a result, books of rules and special instructions governing procedures and railway work have been prepared and issued to employees. Structures and equipment have been redesigned and improved when component failures indicated the need. Signal and communications systems better adapted to the operation of modern railroads have been installed and many other changes in train operations have been introduced.
This handbook has been prepared to help investigators improve their technique of searching inquiry to gather facts at the scene of an accident. It comprises a specific selection of informative sketches, glossaries of railroad terms, forms or checklists for the collection of basic data with instructions for their use. Its contents, not merely reflecting personal opinion, are aimed at helping to determine the actual cause(s) of accidents and the preparing of accurate reports based on facts.
The handbook is especially designed for study. It has been prepared in looseleaf form so that pertinent parts may be removed and taken to the scene of accidents to help investigators in collecting data for determining the cause(s), especially when they may be working in an area beyond the scope of their experience,training, or responsibility.
