IN THIS ISSUE

• Volpe Research Targets Distracted Driving
• Major Initiative Takes Transportation Safety Commitment to Next Level
• UK Ministry of Defence Streamlines Passenger and Cargo Tracking
• Volpe Hosts Airborne Network Information Assurance Meeting
• Cloud Computing Environment for "Cash for Clunkers" Program
• Joint Rule Proposed for New Fuel Economy Standards
• U.S. DOT Secretary Recognizes Volpe Center Staff

Secretary Ray LaHood convened the first meeting of the newly created Department of Transportation Safety Council to tackle critical transportation safety issues facing the nation. "Now is the time to identify and address the top safety issues that cut across our agencies," said Secretary LaHood, "The Council will take our commitment to safety, which is our highest priority, to the next level."

Secretary LaHood created the Safety Council, chaired by Deputy Secretary John Porcari, to serve a broad-based safety leadership role and help break down organizational stovepipes. The Safety Council is comprised of the heads of the U.S. DOT's ten agencies. The goals of the Safety Council are to further enhance the safety focus throughout all agencies of the Department and improve the impact of the Department's safety programs.

The Council will be action-oriented, data-driven, emphasize open dialogue about common issues and provide a forum for fresh ideas and new perspectives. Among the attendees at the inaugural meeting were Volpe Center Director Robert Johns and Stephen Popkin, Director of the Human Factors Research and Systems Application Center of Innovation. Dr. Popkin and other Volpe Center staff are providing strategic support to the new Council.

Pictured above, from a recent visit to the Volpe Center, from left to right: Peter H. Appel, Administrator, Research and Innovative Technology Administration; U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation John D. Porcari; Robert Johns, Director, Volpe Center; and Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy Polly Trottenberg. The Deputy Secretary chairs the new Safety Council. (Volpe Center Photo)