Tram accident
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A tram accident is any
Though tram systems can be environmentally friendly, efficient, and cost effective methods of transport within urban areas[citation needed], issues such as poor maneuverability and long braking distances also pose public safety concerns.[2] Research indicates that for each kilometer traveled, trams are 12 times more likely to be involved in a serious accident than a car.[3]
Types of accidents
Tram derailments and collisions
Tram
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Passenger accidents
Trams coming to a sudden stop may cause injuries to passengers on board. Passengers may also slip, trip or fall on the tram or the tram platform. Blind passengers may particularly be at risk of falling off a tram or getting injured by closing doors.[citation needed] In areas of overcrowded tram systems, illegal passengers are in danger of falling off or being trapped between tram cars. Fire aboard a tram puts passengers at risk of severe injury or death.
Additionally, passengers may be struck by a car while exiting the tram or while waiting at a tram platform. Such incidents are also taken into account during tram public safety studies.[citation needed]
Pedestrians and cyclists
While collisions with cars are the most common form of tram accident, cyclists and pedestrians are the group most at risk of death during tram collisions. Cyclists may experience a loss of control if
The mortality of pedestrians hit by a tram seems to be much higher than the mortality of pedestrians hit by a motor vehicle[citation needed]. Typically most seriously injured people have been caught under or between tramcars.[5] Non-impact absorbing parts at the side of the trams may lead to serious head injuries even at low speeds.[6]
Accident analysis
In some countries accident investigation boards investigate all rail accidents and hazardous situations that may have led to a serious accident. These investigations are detailed analysis on the causes and consequences of the accidents. Investigations create information and recommendations to prevent further accidents. The investigations can be required by law with systematic guides determining minimum requirements for an analysis. In addition, rail accident investigations can analyze previous occurrences of a similar character.[7]
Some national authorities keep statistics on tramway incidents.
Safety measures
Tram stops
When evaluating general
Tram design
Structural design of trams can minimize the risks to tram drivers, tram passengers, pedestrians, and passengers in other vehicles in various kinds of tram-to-tram, tram-to-vehicle, and tram-to-pedestrian collisions.[17]
For example, some trams contain emergency brakes for passengers to access. Both icy winters and falling leaves pose a threat by making the rails more slippery. Therefore, some trams are also able to drop sand on the rails to increase the friction during emergency braking. A brush car can be used to clear the rails.[18]
Automatic door controlling sensors also decrease the possibility of entrapment injuries. In Toronto, the CLRV streetcars have a skirt added to the front of the car covering the coupler to prevent passengers from being dragged under the car's wheels[citation needed]. Common safety features onboard tram often include driver's vigilance control systems and programmable logic speed controllers.[19] A tram also typically carries first aid kit, a radio and/or a phone, some tools, and a fire extinguisher.
Tram control centres
A quality system may guide the safety of a tram system. A tram system may have a control centre following the trams, having radio contact with the drivers, and ability to contact and guide guards, emergency dispatch centre, or repair patrols.
Education
Tram drivers
Basic first aid, safety courses, and protocols to follow in an accident are taught to tram drivers. Some organizations test the drivers for alcohol and/or drugs regularly to avoid driving under the influence. The health of the drivers may also be assessed regularly or in case of need. Some organizations also give education to drivers and re-evaluate their skills and manners periodically.
Rescue teams
Rescue organizations are also informed on tram structures, electricity, risks, and specific rescue and firefighting tactics concerning trams. Rescue organizations may also train with trams in simulated accident and firefighting situations.
General public
Various cities and traffic companies have given safety and traffic instructions for passengers, pedestrian,
Accident protocol
At the accident scene, a ground connection is used to prevent electric shocks from
Cranes, tow trucks, hydraulic jacks and rollers can be used to rerail a derailed tram vehicle.
After the patients have been treated and transported, police inquiries may take place. After a full inspection, the vehicles involved may be allowed leave the scene. In severe accidents, special traffic or accident investigation boards may analyze the accident and its consequences, and give recommendations to improve safety in traffic. After the accident, the tram, the tracks and the overhead lines may also need repair.
See also
- List of tram accidents
- Tram
- Tram stop
- Tramway track
- Derailment
- Street running
References
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- ^ "FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – TRAM DRIVER" (PDF). Yarra Trams. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 April 2015.
- ^ "Traffic safety of tram transport" (PDF). Norwegian Institute of Transport Economics. 1997. p. 1. Retrieved 18 April 2015.
- ^ "Meer veiligheid nodig voor bus en tram". NU. 10 February 2011.
- ^ Ozanne-Smith J., and Sherry K.: Bicycle related injuries. Hazard, Edition No. 6, December 1990. Victorian Injury Surveillance System. http://www.campusglobal.org/muarc/VISU/hazard/haz06.pdf. Retrieved 26 June 2007.
- ^ Hedelin Annika, Björnstig Ulf, and Brismar, Bo: Trams – a risk factor for pedestrians. Accid. Anal. and Prev. Vol. 28, No. 6, pp. 733–738, 1996.
- ^ a b Unger R., Eder C., Mayr J.M., and Wernig J.: Child pedestrian injuries at tram and bus stops. Injury Vol. 33, Issue 6, pp. 485–488, July 2002.
- ^ Derailment of a tram at Phipps Bridge on the Croydon Tramlink 25 May 2006. Rail Accident Report 28/2007. Rail Accident Investigation Branch, Department for Transport, August 2007. Crown copyright 2007. http://www.raib.gov.uk/cms_resources.cfm?file=/070808_R282007_PhippsBridge.pdf (retrieved on 6 February 2009).
- ^ For example, Annual Report on Railway Safety 2005. Office of Rail Regulation, London, the UK. http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/296.pdf. Retrieved 8 July 2007.
- ^ In the Netherlands: TRAMS-database by the Dutch Transport Safety Board. Mentioned in: P. Thomas, Y. Page, G. Vallet, D. Otte, R. Sferco, G. Della Valle, M. Giunti, B. Hoogvelt, J. Paez, P. Magnusson, and R. Cuerden: Status report of EEVC WG 21 Accident Studies. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 November 2008. Retrieved 7 February 2010.
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: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) (retrieved on 7 February 2010). - ^ "European Railway Agency". European Union Agency for Railways. 18 November 2005. Archived from the original on 25 November 2005. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Irk F.: CPTED Principles for Traffic Safety. In: Proceedings, 2003 International Symposium on Technology and Society, 2003. Crime Prevention, Security and Design. ISTAS/CPTED 2003. 26–28 Sep 2003 pp. 41–43. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/iel5/9312/29612/01344610.pdf?tp=&isnumber=&arnumber=1344610. Retrieved 26 June 2007.
- ^ Oxley J., Corben B., and Diamantopoulou K.: Some cost-effective approaches to moderate vehicle speeds in high pedestrian activity environments. http://www.rsconference.com/pdf/RS010023.pdf?check=1. Retrieved 26 June 2007.
- ^ The Department of Infrastructure, Victoria: Safe Travel. "Public transport - Safe travel". Archived from the original on 20 May 2009. Retrieved 6 February 2010. retrieved on 8 July 2007.
- ^ VicRoads: Think tram. "Think tram : VicRoads". Archived from the original on 11 August 2007. Retrieved 8 July 2007. retrieved on 8 July 2007.
- ^ VicRoads: Think tram projects. http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/PublicTransportAndEnvironment/PublicTransportOnRoads/TramProjects/ThinkTram/ThinkTramProjects.htm. Retrieved 8 July 2007.
- ^ An Overview of Current Research Project at the Institute of Transport Studies Dept. of Civil Engineering Monash University. Paper presented at 28th CAITR on 6–8 December 2006. http://civil.eng.monash.edu.au/its/researchactivities/itsmonash_research_projects_2006.pdf. Retrieved 8 July 2007.
- ^ George Rechnitzer, Andrew McIntosh, Shane Richardson, Raphael Grzebieta, and Jeffery Jaraie: Crashworthiness Improvements For Light And Heavy Rail – Lessons Learnt From Crash Investigations. http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/contentStreamer?objectId=0900006480409c40&disposition=attachment&contentType=pdf (retrieved on 6 February 2009)
- ^ Lehtikeli liukastaa ratikkakiskot. Helsingin kaupungin liikennelaitos, ajankohtaista 25.10.06. Article by Helsinki City Traffic in Finnish.
- ^ Hongkong Tramways Limited: Safety and Reliability are our Top Priorities. In: The Company. "Hongkong Tramways". Archived from the original on 10 April 2008. Retrieved 29 April 2008.. Retrieved 8 July 2007.
- ^ For example, BBC: Idiot’s Guide to tram safety. In: Where I live: Nottingham. January 2004. http://www.bbc.co.uk/nottingham/features/2004/01/idiots_guide_to_tram_safety.shtml retrieved on 8 July 2007.
- ^ AA Roadwatch: Rail information – Road user safety. http://www.aaroadwatch.ie/rail/luas_guidelines.asp. Retrieved 8 July 2007.
- ^ Supertram: Supertram & Community – Safety. http://www.supertram.com/safety.html. Retrieved 8 July 2007
- ^ Portland aerial tram regulations. http://www.portlandtram.org/download.cfm?file=/downloads/pdf/TramregulationsfinalapprovedbyEMC.pdf. Retrieved 8 July 2007.
- ^ For example, The Tracking Trains safety pages of Rail Corporation of NSW in Australia. http://www.trackingtrains.com.au/activities/safe_tracks.htm. Retrieved 8 July 2007