An investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) found that the automatic train operation systems may have reduced the drivers' attention, leading to a tragic incident where Brian Mitchell, 72, was struck by four trains at Stratford station in London. The report states that the drivers of the first three trains failed to notice Mitchell on the tracks, and the fourth driver, while aware of his presence, did not stop the train.
Rail watchdog investigation finds that automatic train operation systems may have reduced the drivers' attention
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch found that the first three drivers failed to notice him, while the fourth did but failed to stop their train. The RAIB said there were no other passengers or staff on the platform when he fell, and the driver of the first train did not see him. The RAIB said the “consequences of the accident were made more severe” because the driver of the second train also did not see Mr Mitchell.
The RAIB recommended that London Underground considers the use of technology that can warn trains if it detects a passenger is in a dangerous position.
RAIL SAFETY INVESTIGATION DRIVERATTENTION AUTOMATICTREIN
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