27.09.17
Stagecoach takes action following fatal Sheffield collision probe
The RAIB has issued a report following an investigation into a fatal collision with a pedestrian in December 2016.
The pedestrian was using the crossing at the northern end of Woodbourn Road tram stop when they were struck by the tram as it travelled through the non-stop station towards Meadowhall.
RAIB’s report has identified several factors which may have contributed to the accident. The driver of the tram did not see the pedestrian until shortly before the collision as their attention had been focused on the tram’s mirrors, and consequently they had insufficient time to take preventative action.
The pedestrian reportedly did not seem to have seen the tram, and no audible warning signal had been given to indicate that the tram was travelling through the station non-stop. It revealed that when the system of request stops was first introduced in 1999, Stagecoach Supertram did not conduct a risk assessment of trams running non-stop through these stations.
During its investigation, the safety body also found inconsistencies in the training and assessments of new drivers when passing non-stop through stations and the operational standards required when making such movements. Additional factors which were identified include the wearing of sunglasses by the tram operator and a possible decrease in concentration by that point in the journey.
Following the tragedy, Stagecoach Supertram said that it has taken action to mandate audible warnings for all non-stop movements through tram stops, and to reduce driver distraction through looking in mirrors.
It has also updated its risk assessment to include trams passing non-stop through stations and implemented measures to prevent collisions with pedestrians. RAIB said that these actions have addressed factors that would have otherwise resulted in recommendations.
The RAIB did, however, make two recommendations as a result of the investigation. It told Stagecoach Supertram to continue to review its training material against its operational standards to ensure consistency. Secondly, the safety body also advised on the establishment of an industry working group to monitor the development and application of new pedestrian detection technology, to alert drivers of potential collisions with pedestrians.
The probe also brought about three key learnings points: it highlighted, for example, the importance of tram operators actively assessing the additional risk to pedestrians on crossings, associated with the non-stop movement of trams through stops. Mirrors should only be used for the essential tasks related to the safe movement of the tram through the station, and drivers should understand the impact that sunglasses can have on visibility – particularly during the winter months when the sun is low.
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