This page provides general advice on SPAD mitigation techniques, and is the first in a series of railwayrules.uk "Good Practice" pages.
These approaches are all tried and tested methods of protecting yourself against passing a signal at danger.
1. Risk Triggered Commentary
Calling out restrictive signal aspects will help you to remember that there is a “red ahead”.
2. Target fixing
Positively identify and then focus your attention on the correct signal. Check and re-check on the approach. Use personal techniques (e.g. “third line, second signal”), route knowledge, or signage to identify signals.
3. Physical triggers and positive actions
Examples:
Shut off at a double yellow and brake at a single yellow (unless route knowledge suggests otherwise)
Always use reduced power when leaving on a single yellow.
Check signal before returning Ready to Start
Correct use of DRA
4. Press and Call and Action
This involves calling out the reason for each AWS warning and then acting upon it.
For example:
Call "double yellow" then shut off.
Call "Warning for 30" then apply initial brake.
5. SWR's 15/200/20 policy
No more than 15mph at 200m from the signal.
Stop 20m from the signal (except where otherwise required to stop closer).
During leaf fall season in low-adhesion areas and on red / black days no more than 10mph at 200m from the signal.
6. Route knowledge
Know where the red is! If you pass a restrictive signal, think about and visualise where your next signal is, and be aware of any hazards – curvature, sighting, gradients, low adhesion, cross-reading.
7. Use the DRA
Use the DRA correctly. Set and reset the DRA consistently, and in accordance with the TW1 (10).