On 25/04/17 16:15, 'Noel Reed'noelreed10@... [TramsDownUnder] wrote:
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> Could a tram accident similar to that at Sandilands Junction UK in November, 2016 happen with an Urbos 3 tram on Sydney’s IWLR if a driver fell asleep approaching the curve to Darling Drive near the Power House Museum ?

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I don't think the curve is quite as tight, and the approach speed is much much lower - with the Exhibition station only 200m or so from the curve, not so much opportunity to pick up speed. At Sandilands Junction the curve is preceded by a long straight (1100m) with quite high running speeds (80km/hr), and when not in tunnels, much of the line is in deep cuttings, meaning not a lot of really obvious visual cues - especially in the early morning with rain and or fog.

The accident occurred in the early morning before sunrise and it was raining. Even fully rested I can see how 'loss of locational awareness' could happen. I've stood behind the drivers cabin on this line and seen the speed they go down that straight and how 'dark' even in full daylight that section of line is.

Croydon Trams have since installed radar triggered speed warning boards pretty similar to what the IWLR has at two 'at risk' locations. If a driver approaches Sandilands junction at too high a speed now, they get a flashing overspeed warning - and they have put an advance intermediate speed board in so the speed limit doesn't drop from 80 to 15 in one step. The flashing warning is at the first speed drop, so it's hopped the big flashing sign will get the driver attention before minimum required braking distance is reached.

The final inquiry report will probably make interesting reading.