NTSB determined that the June 22, 2009, collision of a WMATA train with another stopped train resulted from a failure of the track circuit modules that caused the automatic train control system to lose detection of the stopped train; the board also faulted WMATA

NTSB's Chair: Be Aware of Automation's Shortcomings

One example he cites is a 2009 collision of a WMATA train with a train stopped near the Fort Totten station. The safety board determined it resulted from a failure of the track circuit modules that caused the automatic train control system to lose detection of the stopped train.

An interesting Aug. 8 blog post by Christopher Hart, who chairs the National Transportation Safety Board, discusses the potential of driverless vehicles and automation to make U.S. transportation safer. Automation alone is not foolproof, Hart stresses, and he cites as an example a 2009 collision of a WMATA train with a train stopped near the Fort Totten station. The safety board determined the crash resulted from a failure of the track circuit modules that caused the automatic train control system to lose detection of the stopped train, and it also faulted WMATA's lack of a safety culture.

Hart, who wrote that the post is based on a speech he gave in June 2016 at the National Press Club, notes that technological advances have made motor vehicles much safer in recent decades – seat belts, air bags, and structural crush resistance "have undoubtedly saved thousands of lives a year," he writes. "Now we have the exciting opportunity to use technological advances to prevent crashes from happening in the first place, which can save tens of thousands of lives a year. But because automation will coexist with human drivers for the foreseeable future, there will be many challenges. Driverless cars could save many, if not most, of the 33,000 lives that are lost every year on our streets and highways – a very tragic and unacceptable number that has been decreasing for several years but has recently taken a turn in the wrong direction.

"Most crashes on our roads are due to driver error. The theory of driverless cars is that if there is no driver, there will be no driver error. Ideally, removing the driver would address at least four issues on the NTSB's Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements – fatigue, distractions, impairment, and fitness for duty. The automation in driverless cars would presumably also address a fifth item on our list, namely, improved collision avoidance technologies," he continues. "Decades of experience in a variety of contexts has demonstrated that automation can improve safety, reliability, productivity, and efficiency. That experience has also demonstrated that there can be a downside. As noted by Professor James Reason, who is a world-renowned expert in complex human-centric systems: In their efforts to compensate for the unreliability of human performance, the designers of automated control systems have unwittingly created opportunities for new error types that can be even more serious than those they were seeking to avoid."

Hart writes that NTSB's investigations provide three lessons learned that support Reason's statement. One is that the theory of removing human error by removing the human assumes that the automation is working as designed. Another is that, even if the operator is removed from the loop, humans are still involved in designing, manufacturing, and maintaining vehicles and the streets and highways they use , so at each point there are opportunities for human error.

"The most fundamental lesson learned from our accident investigation experience in support of Prof. Reason's statement is that introducing automation into complex human-centric systems can be very challenging. Most of the systems we have investigated are becoming increasingly automated but are not fully automated. As a result, we have seen that the challenges can be even more difficult in a system that is not completely automated but still has substantial human operator involvement," he writes.

Hart then discusses how NTSB can help to inform the process of moving toward driverless cars.

Product Showcase

  • Magid® D-ROC® GPD412 21G Ultra-Thin Polyurethane Palm Coated Work Gloves

    Magid’s 21G line is more than just a 21-gauge glove, it’s a revolutionary knitting technology paired with an advanced selection of innovative fibers to create the ultimate in lightweight cut protection. The latest offering in our 21G line provides ANSI A4 cut resistance with unparalleled dexterity and extreme comfort that no other 21-gauge glove on the market can offer! Read More

  • Safety Knives

    The Safety Knife Company has developed a quality range of safety knives for all industries. Designed so that fingers cannot get to the blades, these knives will safely cut through cardboard, tape, strapping, shrink or plastic wrap or a variety of other packing materials. Because these knives have no exposed blades and only cut cardboard deep, they will not only protect employees against lacerations but they will also save product. The Metal Detectable versions have revolutionary metal detectable polypropylene knife bodies specifically for the food and pharmaceutical industries. This material can be detected and rejected by typical detection machines and is X-ray visible. Read More

  • HAZ LO HEADLAMPS

    With alkaline or rechargeable options, these safety rated, Class 1, Div. 1 Headlamps provide long runtime with both spot and flood options in the same light. Work safely and avoid trip hazards with flexible hands-free lighting from Streamlight. Read More

Featured

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars