6 August 2019

Dozens of near misses as Canberra's first ever Rail Safety Week arrives

| Lachlan Roberts
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A young cyclist in front of two oncoming vehicles in a screengrab from footage released by ACT Government.

A man falls in front of an LRV.

There has only been one reported car and light rail collision since the service launched.

Transport Minister Chris Steel urged Canberrans to be aware when they’re driving or walking around the light rail tracks.

“Pedestrians need to stay alert and always look both ways before crossing at intersections and crossings. Light rail vehicles can approach from either direction and at any time,” Mr Steel said.

“Motorists should follow traffic signals and make sure not to queue across the tracks at any time.”

Road Safety Minister Shane Rattenbury highlighted the severity of potentially being hit by a light rail vehicle.

“With each light rail weighing around 40 tonnes, it’d be like getting hit with six elephants at once,” Mr Rattenbury said. “Please take care around our big, red light rail vehicles, Canberra!”

https://www.facebook.com/chrissteellabor/videos/1312656115564180/

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The electronic “clanger” audible alarm isn’t satisfactory, needs to be louder with more alarm about it. It’s only a matter of time before someone is skittled.

So six elephants weigh around 40 tonnes? Why not say “Being hit by 40 tonnes of tram is an unpleasant experience”?

Stephen Saunders9:39 am 08 Aug 19

On Northbourne, Canberra drivers routinely run red lights and turn in front of traffic, AFP doesn’t police it. Maybe after the first few fatalities?

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