SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY:

Accessible Transportation: For the 54 million Americans with disabilities, access means simply being able to use, enjoy and participate in the many aspects of society, including work, commerce and leisure activities. Transportation is a vital link that allows full participation. The Department is committed to building a transportation system that provides equal access for all Americans.

For information, contact Diane Wigle, diane.wigle@ost.dot.gov 202-366-4864.

Aircraft Disinsection: Aircraft disinsection--the elimination of insects from aircraft--is permitted under international law in order to protect public health, agriculture and the environment. Out of concern of possible health effects to passengers and crews, the Department of Transportation has been encouraging nations to terminate their disinsection requirements and has been informing the public which countries require disinsection. The Department also chairs an interagency task group comprising the Departments of Homeland Security, Defense, Health and Human Services and State and the Environmental Protection Agency that is investigating non-pesticidal methods of disinsection.

Hazardous Materials Programs: There are over 800,000 shipments of hazardous materials each day in the U.S. The Department’s hazardous materials safety and security programs are committed to minimizing the risks to life and property inherent in the commercial transportation of hazardous materials by air, highway, rail and vessel. The Intermodal Hazardous Materials Programs Office (IHMP) has overall responsibility within the Department for oversight, coordination, and policy guidance with respect to transportation of hazardous materials.

Safe Transportation for Older Users: The population of older adults, those 65 years and older, is projected to double over the next 30 years. The first baby boomers turn 65 in just eight years. With this increase in the older population, it is projected that fatal crash involvement for older drivers could double or more, if a coordinated national effort is not implemented to help them stay safe while remaining active and mobile.

Surface Transportation Reauthorization: The Policy Office lead the Department’s surface transportation reauthorization effort in the development of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2003 (SAFETEA). The Policy Office developed many aspects of the SAFETEA legislation. Policy participated in the development of Intermodal Passenger Facility Program. In addition, Policy prepared the Key Information Booklet including the Authorization Tables for SAFETEA, and the Section-by-Section Summary for OMB review, and monitored agency comments on SAFETEA.

The Policy Office supported the development of materials for the rollout of SAFETEA, including the preparation of SAFETEA Summary Sheets for Secretary, writing and reviewing SAFETEA testimony, and preparation of a Summary Document for the Secretary. Policy assisted in the preparation of the SAFETEA presentation at the Transportation Research Board’s Annual Meeting. Policy reviewed Modal Operating Administrations' FY'04 Budgets and budget testimony for consistency with SAFETEA.