The relationship between train drivers' attention and accident involvement

Today, train drivers' role in train operation is undeniable despite the automation of train control and the decrease in the possibility of train drivers mistake. The purpose of this paper is to study the role of sustained and selective attention of train drivers on railway accident occurrence. The research method used in this study is the Ex-Post facto and the statistical sample contained 56 train drivers from Tehran-Iran who were selected using random sampling method. Cognition test included sustained attention computerized test (WAFV), selective attention computerized test (COG), demographic questionnaire and train drivers' safety history. Results of this research showed that there is no relationship between demographic characteristics of train drivers including age and education level with accident occurrence. On the other hand, there is a significant and negative relationship between train drivers' experience and their selective attention. Comparison of drivers' age in different levels of sustained attention also shows that the drivers who have achieved the high level of sustained attention are significantly older than other drivers. Comparison between the level of sustained and selective attention in two groups of drivers who had an accident (or more than one accident) and drivers who never had an accident showed that the first group had a lower level of sustained attention while no significant difference in selective attention was observed between the two groups. The results indicate that to manage the risk of railway accidents, attention evaluation of train drivers at the recruitment time and periodic cognitional examinations are necessary.