Railroad Employees & the Use of Personal Electronic Devices: Distraction Issues & the Safety Environment

Based on the historical record, rail transportation in the United States is an extremely safe mode of transportation. However, distraction of a railroad employee who is entrusted with safety related duties has the potential, which has been realised in several accidents described below, to compromise performance and endanger the employee, coworkers, or members of the public. Accordingly, the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (RSIA) required the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to conduct a study and prepare a report addressing this issue. FRA is responding to this mandate in two phases. This book addresses the information available concerning the effects of distraction on railroad operating employees, including train crews and other operating personnel, engaged both in the locomotive cab and on the ground during switching operations.