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First person: Distraction and its Consequences

Learn about attention first-hand from two operators who lived through an actual rail misadventure. This video provides different perspectives of a near-fatal incident that occurred because of distraction. 

Strategies to Manage Distractions

System Developers

Those who build displays and workstations match the amount, pace, and layout of information with what operators need. Overloading with too much information can be as much of a problem as having too little information.

Rail companies use participatory...

Distraction: Definition and Examples

What is a Distraction?

Distractions take attention away from what an operator needs to do when performing a task. Distractions can be external (such as noise) or internal (such as fatigue, rumination, or stress).  

Distractions may be caused by a number of...

Resources

The Resources page helps you find Rail Network Development resources by topic. The available resources include instructional and educational videos, presentations from past Rail Program Delivery conferences, oversight guidance (Monitoring Procedures), FRA reports and guidance documents, and...

Tasks & Demands

What Operators Do

Operators are workers who perform tasks to operate a rail system. This includes locomotive engineers and conductors, as well as dispatchers and yard supervisors. Engineers and conductors have five demands on their attention as they operate a locomotive....

Attention: Definition and Examples

What is attention?

Attention is the behavior a person uses to focus the senses, from sight to hearing and even smell. It may focus on information that matters outside of the cab (e.g., signals, traffic), inside the cab (e.g., displays, controls), or on...

FRA Rail Program Delivery Video Series

The FRA Rail Program Delivery Video Series provides grantees and loan recipients with guidance on key aspects of Rail Program Delivery. Click on the categories below to view the available videos.

Capital Cost Estimating Guidance

FRA’s FINAL CAPITAL COST ESTIMATING GUIDANCE IS AVAILABLE HERE

FRA developed this capital cost estimating guidance for project sponsors and the railroad industry as part of its continuing efforts to provide technical assistance and ensure successful project delivery.

By...