This deliverable takes a look at accident investigation in aviation, maritime, rail and road transport modes. The issue was considered from the point of view the legal framework at all levels, as well as from the point of view of the investigation bodies in some EU countries, namely Germany, France, Italy, Finland and UK. At EU level there is a legal framework for accident or safety investigation in all public transport modes and the European regulations have already or will shortly be translated into national laws. This legal framework sets accident or safety investigation as separate from any judicial enquiry and gives the investigating body, the investigation and the investigators a clear legal status. This status is generally referred to as independent. At national level only some countries have a legal framework for investigation of road traffic accidents. The majority of European road accident investigation bodies in the above-mentioned member states are therefore not independent. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting