Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) today published a key industry research project looking into the design of driver cabs on trains.
The research aims to improve driver survivability in an accident by identifying potential improvements to driving cab design for new vehicles and, where justified, modifications to vehicles already in service. RSSB funded the research that was carried out by AEA Technology Rail.
Aidan Nelson, RSSB Director Policy and Strategic Initiatives, 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.’
‘The preferred approach in an emergency and where time permits is cab egress to a place of safety within the train, once the brakes have been applied, and RSSB recommends 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’.
RSSB will now work with the industry to consider how the research findings can be taken forward. The use of seat belts in driving cabs requires further consideration by industry parties. RSSB will carry out further research looking at driver protection from the ingress of debris.
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For further information please contact the Rail Safety and Standards Board press office, on 020 7904 7524/5 or visit the website on http://www.rssb.co.uk
