COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING AND SAFETY DETERMINANTS IN THE WORK OF A TRAIN DRIVERS

Abstract

The reports of committees investigating the causes of rail accidents indicate the significance of the so-called human factor (e.g. UTK, 2019). In addition to issues related to perso nality functioning, the organization and culture of work, this also includes variables related to the cognitive functioning of train drivers themselves. These are significant factors that determine the occurrence of accidents that result from ignoring or not spotting railway signals and signs. The purpose of this study was to verify the relationship between cognitive functioning and safety determinants, which was measured using an eye-tracking technique. The application of this technique was intended to check its usefulness in the field of railway traffic safety and to achieve an approximate simulation environment of the real working conditions of a train driver. In the present study, the Vienna Test System was used as a me - thod for the determination of cognitive functioning. Based on the variables described in the subject literature, the following tests were applied: Determination Test, Visual Memory Test, Visual Pursuit Test, Reaction Time, Cognitrone, Signal Detection and Vigilance. In addition to computer cognitive tests, an eye-tracking test method was designed based on a film recorded in real train-driving situation. Measures describing areas of interest (AOI) that are crucial for safety were analysed. Due to the pilot nature of the research, only 10 passenger train drivers participated in the study. The results of the study showed a link between the cognitive functioning of the train drivers and visual security determinants. Significant correlations were found with stress tolerance resulting from cognitive overload, visual memory, alertness and concentration ability under time pressure. The study confirmed the significant role of the train driver's cogni- tive functioning in the analysis and perception of safety-critical signals. The use of an eye-tracking method has delivered results that are in agreement with studies based on other methods. This pro- vides a sound basis for the continuation of research using eye- tracking in the assessment of rail transport safety. In the future, the research should be extended to include an analysis of the effect of demographic and situational variables (types of signalling devices and signage) and a broader model of the relationship between cog- nitive functioning and the driver's visual attention. This will provide data that is crucial for the prevention of railway incidents and the development of training plans for train drivers.