This lecture addresses the fundamental issue of how we go about determining the contributory factors to transport accidents and the importance of getting the institutional arrangements right. Independent accident investigations establish what has happened, can allay public concern following the accident and enable lessons to be learned for the future. In-depth investigation first gained international acceptance in investigations of aircraft accidents. Statutory guarantees are needed to ensure that witnesses are free to tell the truth, and the final report cannot be used as evidence in criminal or civil law proceedings. Few countries have permanent independent committees for investigating accident causes, many investigations being carried out by government agencies. A National Transportation Safety Board was set up in the US in 1967, responsible for investigating accidents in every transport sector, and some other countries now have multi-modal transport safety boards. These bodies can ensure that recommendations from investigation are carried out. The author feels that a European umbrella organisation would be useful to co-ordinate recommendations from national bodies and to identify where the European Commission needs to take action.
Abstract