Feds cut train crew hours to avoid fatigue-related accidents
Designed to reduce accidents related to fatigue, the final rule applies “fatigue science” to employee work schedules to determine maximum on-duty periods and minimum off-duty periods. The Department is engaging in a broad initiative to bring scientific data into work scheduling, and the FRA rule is the first rule in that effort to be completed.
“Safety is job one, and by focusing our attention on proactive risk reduction strategies like these, we will be able to reduce the number of accidents on our railways”, said Secretary LaHood. “This new program will let us recognize and prevent fatigue problems for passenger train crews before they arise.”