Biennial Report on Hazardous Materials Transportation: Calendar Years 1996-1997
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1999-08-01
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Abstract:Hazardous materials (HM) are essential to the economy of the United States (U.S.) and the well-being of its people. These materials fuel cars and trucks and heat and cool homes and offices. Hazardous materials are used for farming and medical applications and in manufacturing, mining, and other industrial processes. Millions of tons of explosive, poisonous, corrosive, flammable, and radioactive materials are transported every day. HM move by plane, train, truck, or vessel in quantities ranging from several ounces to many thousands of gallons. They frequently move through densely populated or sensitive areas where the consequences of an incident could be severe injury, loss of life, or serious environmental damage. A major goal for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is to ensure that these shipments are transported safely. DOT is charged by statute with protecting the public, property, and the environment from the risks inherent in the transportation of HM. The public focuses on highly publicized transportation incidents involving significant numbers of deaths and injuries and thus tends to view HM transportation in terms of worst-case scenarios. In reality, the vast majority of HM shipments arrive safely at their destinations. Most incidents that do occur involve small releases of material and no serious consequences.
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