Research
Brief
Development of a train driver education programme on
mobile phone risk
T904 - November 2010
Background
The use of mobile phones while driving has the potential to impair
train driver performance and increase the likelihood of accidents
and operational incidents. The potential costs both financially and
in terms of human life and wellbeing in the workplace were
demonstrated at an incident in Chatsworth, California, USA on 12
September 2008 where a collision between two trains occurred.
The collision was believed to have been caused by the driver of
one train failing to respond to a signal while texting on his mobile
phone (NTSB, 2010).
Mandatory requirements relating to mobile phones are described
in the Rule Book and specific guidance on the appropriate use of
mobile phones is contained within individual company policies. In
addition, the new RIS-3776-TOM 'Rail Industry Standard on use
of mobile telephonic equipment in driving cabs' provides a
recommendation for the minimum level of restriction on mobile
phone use that should be specified in company mobile phone
policies.
Rules and enforcement have a role to play in controlling mobile
phone use. However, relying on enforcement alone is not
sufficient due to difficulties in detecting and proving mobile phone
violations. A framework of education aimed at train drivers can
therefore support enforcement. This education can help drivers
understand the potential risks and possible consequences and
equip them with key decision-making skills so that they can
assess when it is safe to use a mobile phone.
Aims
RSSB R&D Programme
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The aim of this research project, which was sponsored by
Operations Focus Group, was to produce an effective fit-forpurpose train driver education programme designed to manage
and reduce the incidence of inappropriate mobile phone use. This
will contribute to ensuring that the risk from mobile phone
distraction is controlled to a level that is as low as reasonably
practicable.
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Development of a train driver education programme on mobile phone risk
T904 - November 2010
Methods and
findings
Literature review: Approximately 30 papers were collected and
reviewed. They consisted of scientific and industry documents
about mobile phone usage and impact for drivers, predominantly
in the road transport domain, since very few papers exist within
the rail industry on this topic.
The key findings were as follows:
 Driver distraction is defined as 'the diversion of attention
away from activities critical for safe driving toward a
competing activity' (Regan, Lee & Young, 2008, p. 34).
 Mobile phone use can contribute to visual, cognitive,
physical and auditory distraction.
 Driver distraction due to mobile phone use has been found
to result in, among other things, less checking for hazards,
reduced situational awareness, poorer speed control
(greater speed variation), slower reaction time, and poorer
decision-making.
Industry consultation: Twenty-four railway undertakings across
Great Britain responded to a survey that asked a range of open
and closed-ended questions:
The key findings were as follows:
 100% of companies who responded have a policy for mobile
phone use
 Companies vary in their mobile phone policies
 Passenger train operating companies' policies appear most
strict
 Most policies do not specifically mention the Rule Book
 All policies appear to indicate that the primary driver cannot
use a mobile phone while the train is in motion, although not
all of them unequivocally state this
Driver survey: Three hundred and seventy seven drivers and
ninety-six driver managers responded to a survey about mobile
phone related attitudes and behaviours.
The results of the literature review, industry consultation and
driver survey were used as the basis for development of an
education programme to manage mobile phone risk.
The education programme was tested during May 2010 at two
British railway undertakings: one passenger and one nonpassenger (on-track machine) company. Four pilot sessions
were held with 7-13 drivers in each session, three of which were
conducted with passenger drivers. The programme was
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evaluated using a short survey that was administered to
attendees at the completion of the pilot test sessions. Feedback
was also gathered from educators who delivered the programme
and trade union representatives who attended.
 88% of drivers improved their score on the 'Mobile phone
distraction quiz' having been through the programme
 24% improved their score by 50% or more
 33% improved their score by between 20 and 49%
Analysis of the feedback provided from drivers who participated
in the programme provided the following results:
 Most drivers (69%) rated the overall effectiveness of the
programme as good or excellent
 Most drivers (62%) think the programme will be effective in
helping to reduce inappropriate use
 Most drivers (71%) think the programme will help them with
decision-making about mobile phone use at work
On the basis of the feedback given during the pilots the training
programme was refined in the following ways:
 Additional case studies were developed to provide case
studies specific to each operation type
 A number of options were provided for interactive exercises
that allow the trainees to experience the effects of
distraction
 The overall length of the training programme was reduced
 The training materials and trainers notes were fine tuned
The training
programme
This project has produced a standardised education programme
for drivers in the Great British rail industry. It has produced the
basis for the industry to develop increased understanding into the
patterns of mobile phone use and driver attitudes towards mobile
phone use.
The education programme predominantly consists of a training
programme, plus other associated materials and learning aids,
including educators' notes, programme manual, posters and
stickers.
The complete set of educational training materials contains
approximately three hours of content and includes:
 Hard hitting video of a crash scene
 Further DVD clips:
 Chatsworth - A case study
 Signal passed at danger (SPAD) at Haywards Heath
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Development of a train driver education programme on mobile phone risk
T904 - November 2010
 Information processing task ('Shapes and Numbers') with
comparison of distracted and non-distracted conditions
 e-brain decision-making model
 Practical tips for managing distraction from mobile phones
 Developing decision-making skills
 Strategies for minimising distraction
 Facilitated discussions
Module 1 is an introduction to mobile phones and their impact in
relation to the role of train drivers.
Module 2 presents the specific company policy regarding mobile
phones in relation to the driver role.
Module 3 explores the impact of distraction. It enables learners
to experience the effects of distraction.
Module 4 focuses on enhancing the learners' capacity for making
good risk-based decisions about mobile phone use in the driver
role.
Benefits and
implementation
The benefits of the project were to provide practical outcomes that
would provide significant benefit in a number of areas. These
include:
 Industry understanding: Increased insight into the patterns
of mobile phone use and driver attitudes towards mobile
phone use.
 A practical programme for behaviour change in order to
reduce risk: The industry will have effective and fit-forpurpose education programme materials available that they
can implement in order to help to reduce inappropriate use
of mobile phones by drivers. This will help to support and
augment their existing strategies related to mobile phone
use. This programme will provide industry with a means to
reduce the risk of accidents caused by both appropriate and
inappropriate mobile phone use.
 Alignment with standards: RSSB industry stakeholders will
have an effective and practical education programme that
aligns with leading research findings, and the new Rail
Industry Standard (RIS), RIS-3776-TOM ('Rail Industry
Standard on use of mobile on use of mobile telephonic
equipment in driving cabs'), which came into force in
February 2010. The materials will provide industry
stakeholders with the means to disseminate new
requirements associated with the standards to drivers. This
will result in stakeholders being able to avoid the cost and
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time required to develop bespoke briefings and educational
campaigns.
 A basis for the industry: A foundation will be provided for the
extension of the educational campaign to other safety
critical roles.
Next steps
Having reviewed the results and material available, OFG
determined that controlled CDs will be dispatched to trainers,
driver managers and managers during October 2010 for onward
dissemination.
The education programme will be delivered to drivers by trainers,
driver managers or managers through their own companies'
briefing processes.
OFG has been asked to consider some further activities to spread
the learning from this research to other groups of safety critical
staff, and will review this at its next meeting.
Contact
For more information please contact:
Michael Woods
Head of Operations and Management Research
R&D Programme
RSSB
research@rssb.co.uk
RSSB
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