RSSB says airbags could improve train driver safety
Railway Safety & Standards Board has consulted with Train Drivers' representatives on driver protection measures about operational issues, which might prevent full implementation. The meeting was attended by four drivers/driver instructors from three Train Operating Companies (Midland Mainline, Central Trains and EWS), each with 20+ years of service experience, together with the RMT's safety representative.
The Rail Safety and Standards Board has published a new research project, which considers how to improve the chances of train drivers surviving an accident.
The RSSB said its research aims to identify potential improvements to driving cab design for new vehicles and, where justified, modifications to vehicles already in service. RSSB funded the research, which was carried out by AEA Technology Rail.
The RSSB Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives, Aidan Nelson, said: "Our research has shown that by using a combination of design measures including increased front-end energy absorption, knee bolster, airbag, push back or swivel seats could give train drivers much better protection for speeds up to 50mph (80km/h)."
The RSSB's preferred approach in an emergency, where time permits, is for the driver to seek a place of safety within the train once the brakes have been applied, and the RSSB is recommending that all driver training should include this.
The research involved consultation with train drivers and train manufacturers, computer modelling of safety measures, investigation of injury mechanisms and sled tests. The research was carried out in response to Lord Cullen's recommendation following the Ladbroke Grove collision that "current standards of crashworthiness should be reviewed ... to ensure there are adequate measures for the protection of drivers".
The full report: 'Crashworthiness of Drivers? Cabs' Report on Consultations and Recommendations - A REPORT PRODUCED FOR RAIL SAFETY & STANDARDS BOARD, is available by clicking on the link above.