讀後心得

This year, Taiwan Railways has experienced five improper parking incidents, some of which were caused by drivers being distracted while using their mobile phones. Recently, two such incidents occurred on the same day, with statistics showing a 66% increase in improper parking incidents compared to last year. Taiwan Railways emphasizes that driving safety is the top priority, requiring drivers to refrain from using mobile phones and strengthening checks in the driver's cabin, with violators facing penalties. Taiwan Railways will also consider adjusting inspection methods to reduce pressure on drivers.

Taiwan Railways has experienced five incidents of improper parking positions this year, and investigations have revealed that some drivers were distracted while using their phones. Recently, on March 13, two such incidents occurred consecutively. According to statistics, Taiwan Railways has encountered five such incidents to date, with some drivers missing the correct parking position due to answering phone calls. In response, Taiwan Railways has mandated that passenger guides randomly check the placement of mobile phones within the driver's cabin, and if a phone is found on the desk, immediate corrective action will be taken.

On December 15 last year, a local train stopped in the wrong position, extending beyond the platform, due to late braking. The driver failed to report to the control center as required and even unilaterally altered the train's automatic protection system and reversed the train, until recently being reported, which resulted in the driver being suspended from duty.

On the afternoon of March 13, a train number 1204, while approaching Baifu Station, missed the correct parking position because the driver was on the phone, causing four train cars to extend beyond the platform. Ultimately, the train was reversed to the correct position for passengers to board and alight, resulting in an eight-minute delay. That evening, another train number 168, traveling to Nangang Station, misidentified the station as a pass-through due to the driver’s lack of attention, leading to three cars extending beyond the platform. This incident also required station staff to assist in guiding passengers, resulting in a delay of seventeen minutes.

Taiwan Railways has recently seen a frequency of improper parking incidents, with some drivers unable to hear calls due to wearing headphones while using their phones. According to Taiwan Railways’ statistics, as of April 2 this year, there have been five such incidents, representing a 66% increase compared to three incidents during the same period last year, making it a key item for review by Taiwan Railways.

To prevent accidents caused by driver distractions from mobile phone use, Taiwan Railways will enforce stricter prohibitions on the use of electronic devices during work hours. Violators will face penalties, and the random checks by on-board guides will be strengthened, including unannounced inspections of mobile phone placement in the driver's cabin. If a phone is found on the desk, immediate correction will be carried out. Additionally, attention will be paid to whether drivers are wearing headphones, with timely reporting and recording.

However, the secretary of Taiwan Railways' labor union indicated that drivers already face multiple alerts in their frontline work, such as emergency track invasion warnings and slope alerts. Increasing random checks would only add to the psychological stress of drivers, and discussions are underway to consider canceling surprise inspections. Taiwan Railways has committed to finding other methods to enhance safety management.

Taiwan Railways emphasizes that safety is the primary principle, and personal behavior of drivers must not override public safety. Currently, multiple preventive measures are in place within the driver's cabin, including station announcements, automatic train protection system stopping alerts, and visual guidance from timetable magnets.