Impact mechanism of interruptions on the performance of high-speed train driving tasks based on simulator environment

Objectives. During high-speed train operations, task interruptions often occur due to technical failures or emergencies. These interruptions force the driver's attention to shift and become dispersed, which in turn leads to a decline in driving performance. Methods. In this study, a high-speed train driving task of different complexity was designed within a simulation experiment environment. By simulating interruption events, the mechanisms of task interruptions affect performance were analyzed. The experimental results show that task interruption significantly reduces driving performance, especially in high-complexity driving tasks. Furthermore, by monitoring the physiological indicators of the drivers, we found that irrelevant information during task interruptions caused significant interference with driver attention, accompanied by an increase in cognitive load. Conclusions. The findings support the memory for goals model of interruption and reveal the mechanisms by which task interruptions affect cognitive resources and working memory, which provides a scientific basis for designing effective interruption management strategies in high-speed train operations.