Simulation Technologies as A Tool For Improving Railway Safety: International Practice And A Conceptual Model

Simulation technologies are becoming an increasingly important component of railway transport safety systems due to the growing complexity of operational processes and the continuing influence of the human factor on traffic safety. This study examines international approaches to the use of simulator technologies in locomotive crew training and analyses their role in improving railway safety. The research is based on a comparative analysis of centralized and decentralized training models used in the Russian Federation, the United States, and European countries. The study reviews modern simulator systems, including full-scale simulators, procedural simulators, scenario-based simulation technologies, and digital learning environments. Particular attention is paid to the integration of simulator technologies into safety management systems, personnel assessment, emergency preparedness, and human factor research. Based on the analysis conducted, a conceptual model for the integration of simulator technologies into railway safety systems is proposed. The results demonstrate that advanced simulation technologies not only improve professional training quality but also contribute to accident prevention, operational risk reduction, and the development of sustainable decision-making skills under complex operating conditions. The study concludes that the further development of simulation technologies is associated with the expansion of their analytical capabilities and deeper integration into comprehensive railway safety management systems.

Railway safety, simulation technologies, locomotive crew training

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