And again you don't have a clue about Train Drivers in the UK!
When I get on to a train, I have to activate the main panel, which then runs through the AWS/TPWS self test, and gives me an AWS warning buzzer. If I do not reset this buzzer within 3 seconds, the train will not start. You then have to activate the motor if it is turned off. You then wait for the clear to go signal, and pull away from a station. You start in a very low throttle, just until the train has started moving, then, when the train starts, you increase the throttle to full, untill at the desired speed limit.
In trains acceleration and braking distances are a lot larger than in cars. But overall average speed for what I do is 103mph. Top speed, 140mph.
If I pass a signal, and it is green, I hear an audible bell in the cab. If it is caution, I get a buzzer, which I have to reset withing three seconds, or the brakes go on. When reset, I must respond by slowing down. If approaching a red signal at too high a speed, then I will get a TPWS brake demand, which means if I don't apply the brakes harder, then computers will stop this train.
I have to memorise the position and value of every speed limit, every gradient, every milepost, every signal, every landmark and every station on any route that I drive.
If I go just 2mph over the speed limit, I will be suspended from my job and be given drug and alcohol tests. I must be able to work under pressure, and be responsible for up to 1,000 lives.
So, I think that my pay is worth the rough equivelent of about $80,000 per year I am getting paid.
Do the poll yourself, love.
