Built in the 1970s to haul 2000 meter long trains across Siberia at high speeds without stopping.
And of course, it had to look good doing it as well, which is why it has been streamlined. As for the view from the cab, don't worry, all the driver needs to see are signals and a good enough view of the track ahead.
As for crash protection, the crew quarters in the front should act as a pretty nice bumper.

Keys to use:
Activation groups 1 and 2 control the reverser handle. if you are in the cab with the giant headlights, 2 is forward and 1 is backwards as shown by the reverser handle.

Throttle. If you look at the giant bus steering wheel, you'll notice that the longer white section is pointed directly towards you when the throttle is at 0. When it is at 100, it will face away from you.

Headlights.
Activation groups 3 and 4 control the headlights and tail lights at the side with the smaller lights.
Activation groups 5 and 6 control them in the the other cab.