FRA is proposing a study which will
focus on railroad engineer performance. Distraction is a common
problem in locomotive cabs and preliminary research suggest that
the dispatch radio may have significant negative effects on crew
workload and performance. FRA seeks to ascertain whether an
alternative and newer technology -- a Head-Up Display (HUD) using a
locomotive simulator as a test method-- communicating the same
information electronically with overhead letters as radio dispatch
reduces distraction and improves the performance of locomotive
engineers. Note: This collection is voluntary. The respondent
universe is comprised of 40 individual locomotive engineers who
will take part in a simulator exercise and then answer two
questions on the two forms included in this submission. The
frequency of collection is on occasion and one-time. The purpose of
this information collection is to learn about radio distraction,
how affects human performance, and how we can leverage technology
to reduce those distractions and improve rail safety. FRA will be
collecting quantitative information to evaluate engineers
abilities. Primary users of the information to be collected will be
staff within FRA's Research and Development Office who will have
access to summarized data in an effort to inform a research agenda
in support of minimizing radio distraction and the risks associated
with such use. Data from the study will provide formative research
to show that there is an alternative technology to communicate
information otherwise conveyed over the radio.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.