Interview question

[Sparrow]

Hi all,

Just wondered if anyone could give me some advice on this question which I had.

You are driving a train when you spot a trespasser who is not near your train but is by the tracks - do you;

A) Continue driving at normal speed notifying control of the trespasser

B) slow down to a reduced speed but continue to the next stop notifying the controller

C) do emergency stop even though the trespasser is not near to your train.

I opted for C I’m not sure this was right

 

[Mag_seven]

I would have opted for "C" since although the trespasser is not near the train on sighting them he/she could be by the time you get to their location. I'm not a train driver but I'm sure those that are on here will confirm.

 

[choochoochoo]

B - proceed at caution being prepared to stop.

 

[dctraindriver]

C: trespassing and by the tracks I’d stop and hit the red button. They could get hit by another train thus an emergency call will stop trains closeby. Different if maybe they’re well away from the line side.

 

[choochoochoo]

C: trespassing and by the tracks I’d stop and hit the red button. They could get hit by another train thus an emergency call will stop trains closeby. Different if maybe they’re well away from the line side.

Good point. Just reviewed my notes on this. It does say to contact signaller immediately so other trains can be stopped/cautioned. Depending on what signals you're running on you could do this on the move.

Reason I didn't choose C is there was no mention of contacting anybody. Although you could argue that if you're carrying out an emergency stop then you're going to tell the signaller.

 

[Cusaeng]

C you can’t anticipate the actions of the person on the lines. They could be someone taking a short cut or they could be intending on throwing themselves under the train.

There is a clear threat of risk of life which needs to be removed from the situation for it to be managed.

Where were you asked this question?.

 

[choochoochoo]

C you can’t anticipate the actions of the person on the lines. They could be someone taking a short cut or they could be intending on throwing themselves under the train.

There is a clear threat of risk of life which needs to be removed from the situation for it to be managed.

Where were you asked this question?.

Not had this happen to me operationally yet. But as a passenger I've been stuck at stations where they delay has been due to trains proceeding at caution due trespassers on the line. The lines weren't blocked.

 

[dctraindriver]

Not had this happen to me operationally yet. But as a passenger I've been stuck at stations where they delay has been due to trains proceeding at caution due trespassers on the line. The lines weren't blocked.

I’ve done both. Red button for someone walking on track next to mine. Stopped and had to wait an hour and half for police to pick him up. All lines blocked......

Couple of times people line side but well away from the tracks, urgent call, slowed.

From experience you get an idea of which way to go, and any doubt always red as it’s better to justify someone whose alive rather than a coroners court a year later......

OP I agree with your answer in the interview.

 

[PM47079]

Had that happen to me the other week. A London midland guard pressed the red button after someone who had missed getting off at tring got off at Berkhampstead and started walking back to tring. Because he pressed the emergency button every train in the area had to acknowledge it and stop. As I was the next train following him I had to proceed at caution between where I was and Berkhampstead. In the mean time the trespasser had walked back to the station and was waiting on the platform for the next train to tring. Top marks to the guard on the London midland train for a really accurate description of the bloke and for acting so promptly