"The nature of the beast": metropolitan train drivers' experience, perception and recognition of fatigue

Aims: Research on fatigue and train driving is characterised by the objective measurement and evaluation of workload and fatigue. DriversÕ ability to individually recognise fatigue in situ is equally important. The aims of this paper are to outline the ways in which metropolitan rail drivers in an Australian capital city subjectively experience, perceive and recognise fatigue whilst they are driving. Methods: The present study employed a mixed-methods approach. It involved a closed-ended survey completed by 124 drivers that was contextualised through ethnographic focus groups and in-cab interviews involving a total of 48 train drivers. Results: Over three quarters of drivers reported experiencing Ôzoning outÕ at the controls and one third or drivers reported having fallen asleep at the controls. Most drivers felt that fatigue was unavoidable. Drivers recognised fatigue through diminished reaction times and compromised situational awareness. Often, their recognition of fatigue was retrospective. Discussion: We discuss the need to develop driversÕ prospective skills of fatigue recognition and pre-emptive action and suggest that this presents a target area for risk minimisation.