LUAS HAS RELEASED a compilation of arresting footage taken from their trams’ front-mounted cameras, as part of a new safety initiative.
The clips, all taken around Dublin city centre, show a number of pedestrians stepping into the tracks without looking beforehand.
In one case, a man wearing a hooded top steps all the way to the centre of the the Luas track, as the tram approaches.
So far this year there have been 71 ‘near misses’ between trams and pedestrians, according to operators Transdev.
Incidents are classified as a near miss when the emergency brake has to be applied to avoid hitting a person.
There have also been 145 incidents of trams colliding with pedestrians or otherwise making contact in the past ten years — including seven since January.
“Being distracted is dangerous and can be fatal,” Transdev Managing Director Brian Brennan warned.
The company is making a particular warning over mobile phone use.
Much of the footage gathered shows pedestrians either engrossed in conversation on their devices, or “deafened by their music” a spokesperson said.
Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe is helping launch the Luas passenger safety drive at an event on Dublin’s Stephen’s Green this morning.
“I would urge all road users to put the phone away when crossing any road or track and to give due consideration to the possible outcome of such distractions,” he said in a statement.
The consequences are “are simply not worth it” according to the Minister.
None of the pedestrians featured in the Youtube package were harmed, the Luas spokesperson confirmed. All of the incidents were classified as near misses.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say