Know your limits – SPAD / PAE Awareness Week

Monday 4 November marks the beginning of SPAD / PAE Awareness Week to remind train drivers and rail workers of the things they can do to avoid signal-related incidents.

A SPAD and a PAE are similar:

  • SPAD (Signal Passed at Danger) refers to a train passing a signal at STOP without permission.

  • PAE (Proceed Authority Exceedance) refers to a train exceeding the limit of authority.

ARTC’s Carolyn Blom, Manager Network Operations West, understands how important it is to work with our industry partners to improve systems and processes that minimise SPAD and PAE events.

“Our Network Control teams work closely with our customers to ensure a collaborative effort to keep everyone safe,” said Carolyn. “Being aware of, and obeying signals on our network is critical to being safe. When a train passes a signal at STOP without authority, it could also mean a derailment or a collision with other trains, worksites or the community at level crossings.”

Up to three of every four SPADs are due to fatigue and distractions like mobile phone use. A driver experiencing fatigue will have slower reaction time and is more likely to make a braking error.

“That’s why we encourage drivers to contact our Network Control teams when they’re experiencing fatigue on our network,” said Carolyn.

Go to top