Finding into death of KLH KLH
Deceased
KLH
Demographics
66y, female
Date of death
2022-09-10
Finding date
2024-05-03
Cause of death
Multiple injuries sustained in a tram incident (pedestrian)
AI-generated summary
A 66-year-old woman was struck by a tram after stepping into its path at a pedestrian crossing adjacent to tram stop 117 in South Melbourne. The tram driver was travelling at approximately 30 km/h and applied full brakes but could not avoid collision. Investigation found no mechanical failure, driver impairment, or breach of driving rules. However, the coroner identified that the pedestrian crossing configuration adjacent to the tram stop presented unacceptable risk. The stop was classified as a 'safety zone' requiring 20 km/h speed restriction when occupied, but lacked appropriate signage and there was ambiguity about whether the safety zone classification extended to the adjacent pedestrian crossing. The coroner concluded the collision could have been prevented with reduced speed and recommended installation of proper safety zone signage and speed restrictions extending to the pedestrian crossing.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Error types
Contributing factors
- Pedestrian stepped into path of tram without warning
- Tram travelling at 30 km/h rather than reduced safety zone speed
- Lack of 'safety zone' signage at tram stop 117
- Ambiguity about whether safety zone classification extended to adjacent pedestrian crossing
- Configuration of pedestrian crossing adjacent to tram stop presenting unacceptable risk to pedestrians
Coroner's recommendations
- Yarra Trams carry out works to Stop 117 to ensure that it complies with the requirements under the definition of 'safety zone' pursuant to Regulation 162(2)(a) and (b) of the Road Safety Road Rules 2017
- Yarra Trams amend its safety management system, to require trams travelling through occupied pedestrian crossings adjacent to tram stops classified as 'safety zones' to restrict their speed to a maximum speed of 20 kilometres per hour
Full text
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