An empirical assessment of technological improvements onboard trains

The writer attempts to establish whether current research has demonstrated that rail transport is a safe mode of transport. According to studies rail travel is the second safest mode of transport after flying. Improvements in technology and the implementation of multiple safety assisted devices has achieved this position. Incidents such as signals passed at danger, SPADS and train collisions have become less frequent. The purpose of this study is to assess if technological advances in safety related equipment has had a significant impact in increasing safety and reducing risk on the railway. Has there been a reduction in the number of SPADS in the previous twenty years? Many lessons have been learned from accident investigations and these findings have improved organisational regulations and standards. The development of rail standards ensures that there is conformance and compliance in rail safety, companies like the national transport agency and the commission for railway regulation all play a major role in ensuring that safety is the primary focus for rail travel. The purpose of this research is to investigate the measures implemented by train operating companies, Government policies and other regulatory bodies, to assure safe rail travel. Literature reviews have highlighted the benefits of simulator training, technological improvements and driver assessment. The author has established that there has been a large reduction in the amounts of signals passed at danger over the last twenty years. Significant investment and improved training have enhanced the safety standards on Irish railways, a similar reduction in the UK and in the EU has also been recorded. The author has formed the opinion that rail travel safety has improved in the previous 20 years and including the reduction of SPAD related incidents both in Ireland and UK and Europe respectively. The methodology used to interpret the data from the questionnaire, points to a much stronger emphasis on safety standard implementation and compliance with safety standards