Research Activities of the Department of Transportation: A Report to ...

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Safety RD&T: Human Factors Coordinating CommitteeAn example of the Department’s safety RD&T is the work of the HFCC. Established by the Secretary in 1991,the HFCC identifies and coordinates crossmodal RD&T and ensures the appropriate application of the scienceof human factors to the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of transportation systems.A model for crossmodal planning—particularly for DOT’s RD&T Planning Council and RD&T PlanningTeam—the HFCC provides a forum for collaboration among program managers from all operating administrations.It also coordinates with members from the Department of Defense (DOD), Transportation SecurityAdministration (TSA), U.S. Coast Guard, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NationalTransportation Safety Board, and other agencies. The HFCC chair is a two-year position that rotates among themember administrations.In addition to providing a venue for information sharing, the HFCC looks for opportunities to leverageresources across modes to address common issues. A recent example is the HFCC’s Operator FatigueManagement Program. Launched in 2000, this program has delivered three major products and is scheduledto deliver two more in 2005. These products are fatigue management tools that are crossmodal in theirapplication and available to the end users. The suite of tools includes (1) a software application to aid managersand schedulers in evaluating and designing work schedules; (2) guidance for validating fatigue modelsfor different uses; (3) a handbook of scientifically-based fatigue management practices and countermeasures;(4) a logic model framework for prioritizing fatigue research; and (5) a blueprint for deriving a business casefor the implementation of fatigue management activities.SafetySafety is DOT’s primary objective. Through RD&T efforts, the Department strives toimprove the benefits of transportation while consistently reducing risks to thehealth and well-being of the public, the environment, and the economy. Workingwith stakeholders, DOT ensures that the technologies and techniques necessary toidentify and resolve safety issues are developed, made available, and enforced. TheStrategic Plan names the following RD&T priorities for safety: 33 ibid., pp. 22-23.10RITA• Conducting, supporting, and publishing research in all modes on safetyenhancingtechnologies and on topics related to safety such as human performance,differing cultural norms, behavior, and unsafe trends• Developing, promoting, and supporting public education and informationactivities that advance safe behavior, safe operations, and best safety practices• Providing training and technical assistance to industry and state and local governmentagencies on safety issues and safety management practices• Working with stakeholders to build safety into the transportation infrastructureand operational procedures through research, planning, design, engineering,incentives, and incorporation of safety-enhancing technologies• Mitigating the consequences of safety incidents through more effectiveresponse, technology, and coordination with private transportation providersand state and local government• Increasing implementation of infrastructure and operational improvementsfocused on enhancing drivers’ abilities to remain on the roadway, reducing theadverse consequences of roadway departure, improving intersection safety, andprotecting pedestrians in the roadway environmentTable 3-2 shows the major FY 2006 RD&T activities that will support these priorities.
Table 3-2. FY 2006 RD&T Programs Supporting SafetyDOT-wideFAAFHWAFMCSAFRAFTANHTSAOSTPHMSARITACrossmodal Human Factors Research*Advanced Technology Development and PrototypingAircraft Safety TechnologyAirport TechnologyAviation Weather ProgramCommercial Space TransportationHuman Factors and Aerospace MedicineHighway OperationsITS Safety**Pavement ResearchPlanning and Decision Making ResearchSafety Research and TechnologyStructures ResearchTraining and EducationProduce Safer DriversImprove Safety of Commercial Motor VehiclesProduce Safer CarriersAdvance Safety through Information-Based InitiativesImprove Security through Safety InitiativesEnable and Motivate Internal ExcellenceGrade CrossingsHazardous Materials TransportationHuman FactorsNationwide Differential Global Positioning System (NDGPS)*R&D Facilities and Test EquipmentRailroad System IssuesRolling Stock and ComponentsSignal and Train ControlTrack and StructuresTrack and Train InteractionTrain Occupant ProtectionSafety and SecurityCrash AvoidanceCrashworthinessData ProgramsHighway Safety ResearchHydrogen InitiativeVehicle Research and Test CenterTransportation Planning, Research, and Development*Hazardous Materials SafetyPipeline SafetyHydrogen R&D**Crossmodal.**Indicates the historical location of the ITS program. Changes may result from Congressional direction established in the finalpassed surface transportation reauthorization. The ITS program involves several DOT operating administrations.
Page 1 and 2: Research Activities of theDepartmen
Page 3 and 4: TABLE OF CONTENTS1. INTRODUCTION .
Page 5 and 6: Summary of ReportThis document resp
Page 7: RITA MissionIdentify and facilitate
Page 10 and 11: 3Research, Development,& Technology
Page 14 and 15: Mobility RD&T: Intelligent Transpor
Page 16 and 17: Global Connectivity RD&T: National
Page 18 and 19: Environmental RD&T: Crossmodal Init
Page 20 and 21: Security RD&T: Critical Infrastruct
Page 22 and 23: 4Research, Development, &Technology
Page 24 and 25: Multi-year Strategic PlanningRITA w
Page 26 and 27: Regular communicationwith stakehold
Page 28 and 29: External Coordination in the DOT Op
Page 30 and 31: Interagency CoordinationAs the agen
Page 32 and 33: 5ConclusionAs envisioned by Secreta
Page 34 and 35: APPENDIX AA-1. FY 2006 BUDGET REQUE
Page 46 and 47: APPENDIX BSUMMARY OF FY 2005 PROGRA
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