Human Factors, why and how do people misbehave

Dr Ann Mills

Head of Human Factors

RSSB

Background

• Approximately 6,500 level crossings

• Vary in terms of design and protection systems

• Two main categories: Active and Passive

• Active: Crossing user provided with warning

• Passive: No warning is given

• Misuse, mechanical failure and error have the potential for resulting in crossing users being struck by trains

The UK perspective

36% of all train accident risk

Exploring human factors

Our approach to understanding human behaviour

Potential Causes of errors and Violations

An example

LX Risk Management toolkit

109 Human Factors Issues

73 Mitigation measures

16 Level crossing types

6 user types

Environmental influencing factors

• Sign obscured• Crossing instructions missing or unclear• Gate or barrier left open by previous user• Conspicuity of flashing lights• AHB – zig zagging behaviour

Behavioural influencing factors

• User believes he/she has enough time to beat the train

• User misjudges his/her speed and distance

• Time pressure

• Frustration at long waiting times

• Complacency

• Comprehension of signs

Sign comprehension

73% associated this with a level crossing

17% expected to see a barrier

60% associated this with a level crossing

38% expected to see a barrier

Behavioural influencing factors

• User believes he/she has enough time to beat the train• User misjudges his/her speed and distance• Time pressure• Frustration at long waiting times• Complacency• Comprehension of signs

• Failing to understand crossing instructions apply specifically to them

• User has low perception of risk

Education – a role to play?

Education identified as potential mitigation measure for 80% HF issues

Conclusions

• Errors and violations need equal consideration• Significant number of HF issues lead to

inappropriate user behaviour• Discussed Just 13 of 109 identified• Significance will depend on crossing and user type• Mitigations need to be appropriate to context and

level of risk• Education has important part to play

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