Traffic safety is one of the priorities of the railways. Automatic braking systems must ensure the timely stop of a train in the event of a threat to traffic safety. In turn, devices for monitoring the operation of automatic brakes must ensure that the possibility of the influence of the human factor is prevented and that means for stopping the train are automatically used in the event of the driver's inaction. The paper discusses devices that ensure safety when using pneumatic brakes on the railway rolling stock, as well as aspects of their application. Some possible risks of emergencies when driving a train are considered. Description of singlepipe and twin-pipe air braking systems is given. The importance of Safety Management System (SMS) as a preventive tool in the event of the possible impact of the human factor on traffic safety is noted.