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CHAPTER 2
Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
Concern for transportation accident data collection and the performance of effective root cause
analysis is not new. Over the last several decades, policy analysts and researchers have attempted
to use crash data to understand what causes accidents and how best to prevent future occurrences.
As a result, a body of literature exists with the potential to provide beneficial information to this
hazmat root cause analysis study.
The study team conducted extensive online searches for relevant literature, focusing on studies
of transportation accidents and, more particularly, on the quality of information utilized and the
types of analyses that have been performed. As a result, a variety of sources were identified and
subsequently reviewed. The remainder of this chapter describes the results of that process.
2.2 Synopses of Relevant Studies
The discussion below contains synopses of relevant literature that was obtained and reviewed.
In each case, background is provided on the study objectives, followed by a description of find-
ings, conclusions, and recommendations. The synopses appear in no particular order. Section 2.3
contains a summary discussion of key lessons learned from the literature review and how this
information relates to the objectives of the hazmat root cause analysis study.
2.2.1 Rail Equipment--Train Accident Data
Rail Equipment--Train Accident Data (Bureau of Transportation Statistics) is a document
that describes reporting requirements for rail equipment, train accidents, and issues associated
with data collection. Railroads are required by regulation (49 CFR 225) to report monthly to FRA
all such accidents that meet a certain dollar threshold. This damage amount does not include loss
of lading, cleanup costs, societal costs, loss of main line, personal injury, or death. Data must be
updated when the costs associated with the accident are 10% higher than initially reported.
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) acknowledges that non-sampling errors exist
in this reporting system due to
1. Non-entry error,
2. Duplicate entry error (when more than one railroad is involved),
3. Missing data error,
4. Response/measurement error (e.g., accuracy of repair records),
5. Coding/recording error, and
6. Non-coverage error (railroad systems that are excluded from reporting requirements).
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