Veolia Launches Distraction Study with Industry Leaders and Scholars

A training program will be then be developed based upon the results from the first phase of the study. During the second phase of the study locomotive engineers again will be put through a number of scenarios that will attempt to distract them from operating the locomotive, as they were in the first study. Then they will receive the training, and the scenarios will be replicated to determine the effect of the training program. At the conclusion of both phases, test results will be compiled and analyzed by Parasuraman, and a final report and Veolia will submit conclusions of the study to the FRA.

"When locomotive engineers or other operators who perform the same tasks over and over again, for a given period of time," commented Parasuraman, "the monotony of the tasks may cause mistakes." He continued, "Steps need to be taken to break up the monotony so we can reduce attention-related errors in the transportation workplace. This study is an opportunity to determine what steps work best in the conditions locomotive engineers operate in every day."

"We are supportive of this project and proud to be involved in this important issue. We want to provide all our members with effective techniques for improving situational awareness and fighting distraction, and believe that the results of this study and training program will deliver useful tools to them," said Paul Chaput, president of the Brotherhood of Local Engineers and Trainmen, Division 57, Boston.