DSD
Driver's Safety Device
British dead-man vigilance system checking continuous foot-pedal or hand control pressure.
Driving Difficulty
Level 2 / 5
Easy
Based on vigilance required, reaction window, and braking penalty severity.
menu_book System Overview
The Driver's Safety Device (DSD) is standard equipment on UK locomotives and multiple units, verifying that the driver maintains foot pressure on the vigilance pedal or regular control inputs.
settings How It Operates
- check_circle Requires constant foot pressure on the driver's floor pedal while driving.
- check_circle On newer trains equipped with DVD (Driver's Vigilance Device), if no control inputs (throttle, brake, horn) have occurred for 60 seconds, an alert chime sounds.
- check_circle The driver must tap the pedal or acknowledge button within 5 seconds to reset the cycle.
- check_circle Lifting your foot entirely triggers immediate emergency braking.
visibility In-Cab Visual & Audio Indications
notifications
Vigilance Buzzer
Sharp audible tone sounds when vigilance cycle expires.
lightbulb Driver Tips to Avoid Penalty Brakes
- verified Keep regular control inputs during long straight sections to prevent the vigilance buzzer from sounding.
