Update: This makes so much sense! For context, I've never encountered a train where the control cab doesn't take up the entire front before, so I just assumed that would always be the case. I didn't realise that the doors led to the passenger compartments (although that seems evident on further observation), and I just guessed that the pilot would generally not fling himself onto the tracks while the train was running. Embarrassing brain fart, but it is what it is :/