Posts tagged Safety
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Driving while distracted increases during the pandemic, a study reveals
A new study of COVID-era car crashes finds that a shocking 27% of all drivers were using their cell phones within 60 seconds of impact — and transportation safety leaders are doing almost nothing to stop it, despite a preponderance of proven strategies that can compel us to put down our devices when we’re behind the wheel. Keep reading…
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Investigators are narrowing in on a root cause of this month’s Red Line train pull-apart
The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission said on Tuesday that the preliminary investigation into this month’s Red Line train pull-apart may have been a repeat of another pull-apart from 2018. In another safety report, the WMSC said a Metro train was sent through a tunnel that could’ve had smoke in it, contrary to agency protocols. Keep reading…
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How bike crashes shifted out of downtown DC during the pandemic
Throughout this year travel restrictions, business closures, and expanded telework as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have had a significant impact on the transit habits of DC. Data from the Open Data DC portal on bike crashes in the District shows that bicycling habits in the city have indeed been altered by the pandemic. Keep reading…
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Bicyclists tell us what their commute in Tysons is really like
Some of them fall, and get back up. Some of them get hit, and get back up. Some of them navigate scenarios that would make most of us give up. Nope, we’re not describing boxers, but rather people bicycling around Tysons, Virginia, a notoriously car-oriented “edge city.” Keep reading…
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There are no safeguards against investigation interference at Metro’s ROCC, a report finds
Metro protocols don’t ensure investigations that occur are fully independent from the employees involved, according to the newest report from the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC). Internal Metro investigations don’t always rely on first-hand reports from staff directly involved in the incidents, but instead descriptions of the events passed up through management ranks which could be altered. Keep reading…
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A caustic environment at Metro’s ROCC pushes out trainees and experienced employees alike
Metro’s Rail Operations Control Center (ROCC) doesn’t provide the proper training needed for employees and is also a caustic work environment, according to a recent report from the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission. Controllers reported not having the knowledge needed to do their jobs and suffered racial and sexual harassment along the way. Keep reading…
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A new audit finds both new and ongoing critical safety issues at Metro’s rail control center
Harassment, confusion, fatigue, short-staffed, ill-trained. A new audit of the Metrorail Rail Operations Control Center (ROCC) lays bare ongoing issues at the nerve center of Metro’s rail network, and with it, some of what Metro needs to do to begin to fix it. Recent Metro actions have shown “promise,” but what will it take to turn the department around? Keep reading…
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Metro loses one of its own as the pandemic continues
A Metro employee in the Rail Operations Control Center recently passed away after falling ill with the virus that causes COVID-19. While the agency now reports 308 employees that have had confirmed cases, 270 of whom have recovered and returned to work, this was the agency’s first loss of life. Keep reading…
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Bloomingdale’s traffic calming plan gets some new updates
Some additional traffic calming measures are in the works on First Street NW, including adding striping to the bump-outs and new higher-visibility LED stop signs. However, flex posts from all but one side street have been removed. Keep reading…
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What’s it like to navigate work, home, and a pandemic in Tysons? A survey sheds some light.
What is it like to live or work in Tysons during a pandemic? A recent survey offers a snapshot into the many concerns people have from transit and childcare to what may be stopping people from returning to the office for work. Keep reading…