The Krasnoyarsk mayor's office named the reasons for mass accidents on tram tracks in cold weather

During the period of severe frosts in Krasnoyarsk, several traffic accidents occurred on tram tracks: almost all of them were due to the carelessness of car drivers. This was reported by the Department of Municipal Economy and Transport.

In winter, motorists were urged to be especially attentive and careful in areas where tram tracks are located at the same level as the roadway, for example, on Michurin, Matrosov and other streets.

“Even in dry weather, the grip of car tires on metal is noticeably worse than on asphalt. Despite the fact that the rails are cleaned regularly, the snow on the tracks rolls away faster and the metal becomes covered with ice. In cold weather, the rails become slippery, which causes a “skate effect” when the car instantly loses lateral stability. In addition, the tram weighs more than 20-30 tons, its braking distance is long, so even if the driver notices an obstacle, he cannot stop quickly. Trams are limited in maneuverability and accidents with them always lead to downtime of this type of public transport,” experts explain.

Krasnoyarsk residents were also reminded that according to traffic rules, a tram almost always has an advantage over trackless vehicles, therefore, in the event of an accident on the tracks, its driver will most likely be found guilty.

To avoid troubles, experts advise using checklist for safe crossing of tram tracks:

• reduce your speed in advance: braking right in front of the rails is late and dangerous, the ideal speed is about 10 km/h in order to have time to stop if necessary;
• cross the rails at right angles: the closer the angle is to 90 degrees, the shorter the time of contact between the wheel and the rail and the lower the risk of slipping;
• do not change lanes on the tracks;
• avoid sudden maneuvers: on rails, do not brake, accelerate or turn the steering wheel, move smoothly, at a constant low speed;
• increase the distance: keep the distance to the car in front 2-3 times greater than usual – this will give room for maneuver if it skids;
• look in the mirrors: if the tram is close, let it pass – do not try to “slip through”.

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