DC Metro asleep at the switch

[SteamWake]

Originally Posted by Oberon

Don't they have a vigilence alarm?

In the UK, there's a little bleeper that goes off every minute or so and if the driver doesn't cancel it then the train is brought to a halt, likewise there's the 'Dead Mans Handle' which needs constant pressure on it otherwise it activates the brakes, although if it's foot operated then I think some drivers put their bag on it to pin it down.
Of course, this won't stop drivers using their mobiles, for that you'd need either cameras or hidden inspectors.

Either which way, it does sound like the Metro needs a bit of a shake-up.

The bleepers go off as you approach signals. Kind of a reminder to take the time to actually look at the signal.

In fact if you enter a 'restricted' section a buzzer goes off and keeps going off till you silence it. If it is not silenced the train is stopped automatically.

US rails do not use this system. They believe and rightfully so in my opinion that they dont need a gizmo to make sure the drivers awake. I guess I am wrong.

As to the dead mans brake, it is / was not uncommon to find a tool box atop them to hold them down