TOO MUCH TO CONCENTRATE ON: ON A SOUTHEASTERN TRAIN 

TOO MUCH TO CONCENTRATE ON: ON A SOUTHEASTERN TRAIN
DRIVER ONLY OPERATION (Dramatisation)
#SouthernStrike - "What if.." Video 5 - TOO MUCH TO CONCENTRATE ON?
These videos are based on real events but the locations, characters and companies featured are the product of this dramatisation. Please note some viewers may find some scenes distressing.
To view the first "What if.." video click here: • ONE OF THOSE DAYS: ON ...
To view the second "What if.." video click here: • EMERGENCY: ON A SOUTHE...
To view the third "What if.." video click here:
• CAN YOU SEE IT'S SAFE?
To view the forth "What if.." video click here:
• IS IT EVER SAFE TO DEPART
The dramatic incident featured is based on a real life event which culminated in a train nearly colliding with the train in front after the driver is distracted by an unusual signalling sequence caused by a broken down train further up the line and some poor passenger behaviour which causes him lose concentration, failing to stop the train in the correct position at the next station. This distracts him from the red danger signal he knows about and was focusing on as he arrived at the station but he fails to set an in cab safety device known as the D.R.A (Driver Reminder Appliance). He is then further distracted by the passengers alighting as he cannot clearly see in the platform monitors and has to look back out of the window to ensure the safety of the platform train interface (PTI). He is distracted by passenger behaviour around a set of doors at the rear of the train, losing concentration he closes the doors whilst looking back to ensure they are closed, he then takes power and passes the red danger signal.
After the train passes the red danger signal a safety system called TPWS (Train Protection Warning System) is triggered stopping the train after a short distance. The driver, having lost concentration does not realise he has passed a signal at danger (SPAD) and assumes it must be something to do with the passengers who had just left the train or someone missing their stop and pulling the passenger alarm. Another in cab safety alarm is activated after the driver gets up and looks out of the window to check the platform. This safety device known as the DSD (Driver Safety Device) is similar to the dead mans handle which must be depressed in order for the train to be moved. This causes a reminder message to be shown on the train radio. He loses focus and simply resets the train causing the train radio signal to be lost, the TPWS and DSD safety systems to be overridden and he continues totally unaware of the danger directly ahead of him. The train stopped just 140 meters short of the train in front.
This incident involves just one member of staff, the driver. With no guard or platform dispatcher it is solely the drivers’ responsibility to ensure that it is safe for the train to depart. This includes stopping the train at the appropriate position on the platform, checking the platform train interface via mirrors, monitors or physically looking back to ensure passenger safety at the Platform/Train Interface (PTI), checking starting signals and driving the train. A little like being a one man band - Too much to concentrate on. Had this train had a guard or been dispatched by a member of platform staff more eyes would have been alerted to the red danger signal and it may never have happened. With driver only trains becoming the preferred method of operation for Train Operating Companies (TOCs) to operate their services the number of eyes ensuring passenger safety is reduced to just TWO.
TOO MUCH TO CONCENTRATE ON?
Remember "DOO is safe"
This dramatisation was made by the RSSB and highlights the increased dangers of Driver Only Operated trains.
This video is copyright of the RSSB and is presented here for education & evaluation purposes only.
#keeptheguardonthetrain