Train dispatcher at CETC, Boston MA
(photo courtesy of The Union Pacific Railroad)

Human factors accidents occur in the railroad industry in two primary areas: train and maintenance operations, and grade crossings.  Operating practices R&D projects address human factors accidents in yard and terminals and in mainline train and maintenance operations.  The grade crossing elements of the Human Factors program address the effectiveness of warning and barrier systems at grade crossings, on trains, and in motor vehicles that can reduce accidents.  The Human Factors program element provides analytical and technical direction and support to reduce the number of accidents, deaths, and injuries due to human error, and to reduce the rate of railroad employee-on-duty fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. 

The Human Factors program also supports the concept of Human-Centered Transportation Systems, which presents an approach to the design, development, and implementation of technologies to improve transportation system safety, reliability and productivity.  The “human-centered systems” approach focuses on human capabilities and limitations with respect to human/system interfaces, operations and system integration.  Increased attention to human performance and behavior will reduce crashes, loss of life, injuries, property damage, and resultant personal and financial costs.  All the projects described below incorporate the “human-centered systems” philosophy in their design and seek to further the use of scientific information about human behavior and performance to reduce railroad accidents.

The Human Factors program participates in the Human Factors Coordinating Committee (HFCC), http://scitech.dot.gov/research/human/index.html , established by the Secretary of Transportation as a forum for human factors issues within DOT. HFCC membership is composed of representation from each of the DOT administrations that have modal human factors programs. By its continuing support to the HFCC, the FRA recognizes that an emphasis on human factors in transportation systems is imperative to meet the Departmental safety and efficiency goals .