Risk factors for driver distraction and inattention in tram drivers

Abstract. Tram driving is a complex task requiring high levels of workload, route knowledge, and attention. Metropolitan tram networks typically contain many routes and share roads with other road users. Collision potential is highest at road intersections and areas where the track runs along the road with no segregation and when collisions occur they can cause serious injury and disruption. A study was conducted on an Australian tram network to identify collision risk factors. The approach included focus groups and discussions with 22 drivers, and observations at two high-risk locations. Data were coded thematically using a recently published taxonomy for driver distraction and inattention. The majority of factors fell into the Driver Cursory Attention category, with a large representation also in the Misprioritised and Neglected Attention categories and instances of Diverted Attention were mainly driving-related. Findings are discussed in terms of potential mitigation strategies and their implications for further refinements to driver distraction and inattention taxonomies.