The Rail Accident Investigation Board (RAIB) has just published an interim update on its report into the Croydon tram tragedy last year. The tragedy cost seven people their lives and injured 51 others.
In its update, the RAIB states that it will likely make a number of potentially lifesaving safety recommendations that I welcome. You can read their update here – https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fatal-tram-accident-in-croydon
One of these recommendations is to research active means of detecting when drivers are not paying attention or when they are distracted. Given that last year’s tragedy was likely the result of a driver who had “lost awareness” when speeding around a sharp bend, this measure could go a long way to preventing a similar tragedy from happening again.
The driver’s union Aslef however has decided to strike in opposition to drivers’ cabs being monitored. I totally condemn this decision, which flies in the face of a report from an independent safety body. Aslef should urgently reconsider this ill-thought out and selfish decision to strike. The tram drivers should be putting their passengers’ safety first rather than striking over something that could save lives.
