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Driver detection and recognition of lineside signals and signs at different approach speeds

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Abstract

A study was carried out using simulation to investigate driver responses to lineside signals and signs at various approach speeds. The objectives of the study were: (1) to find out whether train speed would significantly affect signal/sign reading; (2) to examine at which point certain types of signs or signals could be detected or recognised, and (3) to determine a speed cut-off level above which certain types of signs or signals are no longer recognisable or detectable. Fifty-seven train drivers from 12 Train Operating Companies in the UK participated in the trials. Twenty different types of lineside signs and ten types of signals were tested under six different approach speeds ranging from 100 to 350 km/h (62–218 mph). Driver performance measures were ‘time remaining to the signal/sign’ at the point of detection or recognition, and reading error rate. The results showed a significant influence of train speed on driver responses to lineside signals/signs and demonstrated a non-linear relationship between driver responses to signals/signs and approach speed. This has been used to estimate a maximum approach speed limit within which a specific signal or sign can be correctly detected or recognised. The findings and implications of the study are discussed in the paper.

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Acknowledgements

The completion of this work would not have been possible without the help and technical support of many people to whom we owe our grateful thanks. In particular to John Robinson, Bob Muffett, Julie Fowler, Anthony Slamen and Philippa Murphy at the Ergonomics Group of Network Rail. Thanks also to John Wilson for his comments on the work and the manuscripts. Grateful thanks are also due to the Train Operating Companies for making the drivers available.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Human Engineering Limited, Shore House, 68 Westbury Hill, Westbury-on-Trym, BS9 3AA, Bristol, UK

    Guangyan Li & W. Ian Hamilton

  2. Network Rail, 40 Melton Street, NW1 2EE, London, UK

    Ged Morrisroe & Theresa Clarke

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  1. Guangyan Li
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  2. W. Ian Hamilton
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  3. Ged Morrisroe
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  4. Theresa Clarke
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Correspondence to Guangyan Li.

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Li, G., Hamilton, W.I., Morrisroe, G. et al. Driver detection and recognition of lineside signals and signs at different approach speeds. Cogn Tech Work 8, 30–40 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10111-005-0017-5

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