Melbourne boasts the world’s largest tram network, however, sharing the road with cars presents many safety challenges. A study by Monash University (Naznin et al.: Exploring the impacts of factors contributing to tram-involved serious injury crashes on Melbourne tram routes, 2016) highlights the prevalence of vehicle-tram crashes, raising concerns about vulnerable road users and the need for data-driven safety interventions.
Here are some key insights:
- High crash rates: Over 4,800 tram-related collisions occurred in Melbourne between 2009 and 2013, with almost 8% categorised as fatal or serious injury (FSI).
- Vulnerable pedestrians: Most FSI crashes involved pedestrians struck by trams, underscoring the need for improved pedestrian safety measures at tram stops and crossings.
- Critical manoeuvres: U-turns and right turns in front of trams are identified as high-risk manoeuvres.
- Data-driven approach: Modelling crash severity based on vehicle, road, environmental, and driver factors can pinpoint key risk areas and inform targeted safety strategies.