Allocation of attention among train drivers

This paper reports the results of a study initiated by Railway Safety to study train drivers ' eye-movements during a familiar train journey, Results illustrate drivers' distribution of attention in a dynamic visual field, and indicate that fixation time represents some 63% of the final 1 5-20 seconds of an approach to a signal . Drivers' allocation of visual attention is shown to be profoundly influenced by the aspect of the approaching signal and the aspect of the signal just passed, It is anticipated that the results of this initial study and further work will provide an understanding of the factors that are important to signal sighting, and future signal design.