Role of human factor in tram accidents and tram traffic safety systems supporting driver at core of safety investigation
The Safety Investigation Authority, Finland (SIAF) has launched an investigation into a tram accident in Espoo on 15 November 2024. In the accident, a tram running on line 15 (Jokeri Light Rail) collided with a buffer stop. The investigation will also examine other accidents and incidents on the tram line 15 in 2023 and 2024.
In June 2023, the Safety Investigation Authority published a themed investigation into urban rail traffic.
In its investigation report, the Safety Investigation Authority concluded that different types of minor accidents and incidents are common in tram traffic. In particular, the investigation highlighted the problem of coordination between tram traffic and other traffic.
“In that earlier investigation, we mentioned that slow speeds have been a factor that has prevented accidents with serious consequences. Even though the trams of the light rail line 15 run faster than ‘traditional’ trams, it would seem that the speed is not a crucial factor in the on-going investigation. The accidents and incidents have occurred on so-called slow speed sections of the track according to our information,” explains Lasse Laatta, Investigator in Charge.
“In our earlier themed investigation, coordination between rail traffic and other traffic emerged as the main theme of the investigation. In the investigation that has now been launched, the focus is on human factors and the solutions supporting and monitoring the driver’s activities. Among other things, we will examine how the transport system supports and helps drivers in their decision-making and other activities. A light rail vehicle may have as many as 200 passengers, which is a significant number. However, in the end, the driver is the one who makes the decisions and deals with the safety challenges,” Laatta adds.
The impact of any regulation on the accident will also be examined in the safety investigation. Tram traffic has traditionally not been regulated – EU-level regulation, for example, does not extend to tram traffic. The purpose of a safety investigation is to improve public safety and prevent new accidents and incidents. Tram traffic is growing and new lines are continuously built. For this reason, the Safety Investigation Authority will also examine the impact of any regulation on the occurrence of rail traffic accidents within the framework of improving public safety and preventing accidents.
Matters of guilt and liability will not be addressed in the investigation.
The duration of the safety investigation is about 9 –12 months.