Safety Products

NASA C3RS uses the information it receives voluntarily to promote public rail safety in a number of ways.

C3RS DataBase Query Tool (DBQT)

The DataBase Query Tool (DBQT) is a searchable public database of de-identified confidential close call reports submitted to NASA through the C3RS program. DBQT contains reports from multiple carriers across the USA and new reports are added every month.

Search DBQT

check_circle Learn From Others

The C3RS database includes narratives with event descriptions submitted by reporters (after they have been sanitized for identifying details). These narratives provide an exceptionally rich source of information for policy development, human factors research, education, training, and more.

check_circle Retrieve Data

The database also contains coded information by expert analysts from the original report which is used for data retrieval and analyses. Coded data may include event characteristics such as weather, location, and train information.

check_circle Increase Rail Safety

  • Identify and address safety vulnerabilities discovered through close call reporting
  • Develop and prioritize safety enhancements and corrective actions
  • Understand complex safety issues
  • Develop training and educational programs
Inside The Rail

Sign up today to receive the free rail safety newsletter by email!

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C3RS Newsletter

Inside The Rail is a NASA safety newsletter, which includes de-identified C3RS report excerpts with supporting commentary in a popular “lessons learned” format. In addition, the publication may contain features on related rail safety information. Inside The Rail is an effective tool for improving the quality of human performance in the rail industry at the grass roots level.

■ Indicates C3RS reporter’s deidentified excerpts
[  ]  Indicates clarification / addition made by C3RS
get_appIssue 24 - April 2024 [PDF]
Back to the Basics
get_appIssue 23 - January 2024 [PDF]
Trackside Troubles - The Challenges of Railroad Communication Breakdowns
get_appIssue 22 - October 2023 [PDF]
Train Dispatchers - Always Heard but Never Seen
get_appIssue 21 - July 2023 [PDF]
“That’s How We’ve Always Done It!”
get_appIssue 20 - April 2023 [PDF]
Based on a True Story
get_appIssue 19 - January 2023 [PDF]
A Recipe for Close Calls
get_appIssue 18 - October 2022 [PDF]
Play a Game of Chance…
get_appIssue 17 - July 2022 [PDF]
This isn't the Minor Leagues …
get_appIssue 16 - April 2022 [PDF]
The New Speed Shuffle
get_appIssue 15 - January 2022 [PDF]
C3RS: Over a Decade of Safety Reporting
get_appIssue 14 - October 2021 [PDF]
A Positive Update: Positive Train Control
get_appIssue 13 - July 2021 [PDF]
In Case of Emergency
get_appIssue 12 - April 2021 [PDF]
Blue Means Stop!
get_appIssue 11 - January 2021 [PDF]
Doing the Bright Thing
get_appIssue 10 - October 2020 [PDF]
When Seasons Change
get_appIssue 9 - June 2020 [PDF]
When Push Comes to Shove
get_appIssue 8 - March 2020 [PDF]
Roadway Worker Protection
get_appIssue 7 - May 2019 [PDF]
Tips for Excellent Reporting to C3RS
get_appIssue 6 - December 2018 [PDF]
Distractions Impacting Safety
get_appIssue 5 - August 2018 [PDF]
Close Clearances and Fouling the Right of Way
get_appIssue 4 - December 2017 [PDF]
FAA Steril Cockpit Rule - FRA Quiet Cab?
get_appIssue 3 - April 2017 [PDF]
Doors
get_appIssue 2 - 2016 [PDF]
Job Briefings
get_appIssue 1 - November 2015 [PDF]
C3RS and You - A Winning Combination for Railroad Safety

Focused Studies

Periodically, NASA C3RS in cooperation with rail organizations; such as the Federal Rail Administration (FRA), may conduct studies focused on safety topics of interest. C3RS research is designed and conducted with an orientation toward real-life operations and human performance.

get_appDownload NASA C3RS Positive Train Control Study [PDF]

C3RS Outreach Materials

Peer Review Teams (PRT), Safety Managers, and other representatives may request additional outreach materials such as posters and paper report forms. Select the "Request Outreach Material" topic in the Contact form and a C3RS staff member will contact you.

get_appDownload NASA C3RS Program Brochure [PDF]
get_appDownload NASA C3RS Tips for Excellent Reporting [PDF]

The Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS) is a partnership between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), in conjunction with participating railroad carriers and labor organizations.