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Reynolds J, Bhuiyan R, Currie G, Johnson M. Cyclist safety around trams: A market survey. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2024; 205:107635. [PMID: 38870838 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2024.107635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Tram systems present safety risks to cyclists, however only limited research has explored this topic, of which most has focused on crash and hospital data, and severe crash events. This paper presents the first known cyclist market survey focused specifically on the experience of cyclists related to safety around trams, including unreported incidents and those that did not result in hospital attendance. Findings suggest that track-skid incidents are more common than track-wedge incidents, in contrast to previous research that emphasizes track-wedging as a larger issue than skidding. This is may be explained by the differing outcomes, with track-wedging more likely to result in injury. This research is thus significant in identifying track skidding as a major risk concern, causing a majority of crashes, while also confirming that track wedging is the major severity concern. In the last five years, 21% of respondents were involved in at least one tram-track-related crash. This was less than the share of respondents involved in falls (50%), crashes relating to road defects (36%) or collisions with motor vehicles (29%). However, half of survey respondents (52%) reported cycling on roads with tram tracks for 0-20% of their cycling, which might suggest that tram track-related crash rates are high given that most inner-city cycling occurs on roads without tracks. Track-skidding was found to be associated with wet conditions. Those involved in at least one track-skid in the last five years where more likely to have been cycling more than 3 years, but involvement in track-wedging was more likely amongst those cycling > 10 years and aged < 45 years. Implications for research and practice are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Reynolds
- Public Transport Research Group (PTRG), Institute of Transport Studies (ITS), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Ramisa Bhuiyan
- Institute of Transport Studies (ITS), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Graham Currie
- Public Transport Research Group (PTRG), Institute of Transport Studies (ITS), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Marilyn Johnson
- Institute of Transport Studies (ITS), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
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Callari TC, Moody L, Mortimer M, Stefan H, Horan B, Birrell S. "Braking bad": The influence of haptic feedback and tram driver experience on emergency braking performance. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2024; 116:104206. [PMID: 38141524 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Trams are experiencing a resurgence with worldwide network expansion driven by the need for sustainable and efficient cities. Trams often operate in shared or mixed-traffic environments, which raise safety concerns, particularly in hazardous situations. This paper adopts an international, mixed-methods approach, conducted through two interconnected studies in Melbourne (Australia) and Birmingham (UK). The first study involved qualitative interviews, while the second was an experimental study involving a virtual reality (VR) simulator and haptic master controller (i.e., speed lever). In tram operations, master controllers play a critical role in ensuring a smooth ride, which directly influences passenger safety and comfort. The objective was to understand how a master control system, enhanced with additional haptic feedback, could improve tram driver braking performance and perceptions in safety-critical scenarios. Interview results indicate that the use of the emergency brake is considered the final or ultimate choice by drivers, and their driving experience is a moderating factor in limiting its application. Combined with the experimental results, this paper highlights how implementing haptic feedback within a master controller can reduce the performance disparity between novice and experienced tram drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana C Callari
- Socio-Technical Centre, Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Centre for Arts, Memory and Communities, Coventry University, Coventry, UK.
| | - Louise Moody
- Centre for Arts, Memory and Communities, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Hans Stefan
- School of Engineering, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ben Horan
- School of Engineering, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stewart Birrell
- Centre for Future Transport and Cities, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
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Callari TC, Mortimer M, Moody L, Seyedmahmoudian M, Lewis R, Horan B. Smooth and safe tram journeys: tram driver perspectives and opportunities using a haptic master controller in a virtual reality environment. ERGONOMICS 2022; 65:445-466. [PMID: 34487483 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2021.1977844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Tram drivers operate a master controller to control the acceleration and braking of the tram. Operation should ensure passenger comfort and safety through smooth tram motion and the avoidance of jerkiness that may cause passengers to fall in the carriage. This work investigates current driver practices and strategies for tram driving in normal operations through interviews and the capacity of a new haptic master controller to support drivers in achieving smooth and safe tram journeys. A haptic feedback algorithm based on viscosity was implemented on the master controller to provide drivers with feedback on the rate at which they were accelerating and braking the tram. This aspect was tested in a virtual tram within a simulated inner city virtual reality environment. Results indicate that the haptic master controller and coupled viscosity feedback algorithm did not increase smoothness of driving during the simulated experiences. Despite this, the drivers indicated a preference for the provision of further haptic information to support driving tasks and the overall journey safety and smoothness. Practitioner Summary: This research comprises two studies. The first investigates strategies currently used by drivers to operate a tram smoothly in order to elicit design requirements for a haptic tram master controller. The second study evaluates the impact of a novel haptic master controller on journey smoothness within a virtual environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana C Callari
- Centre for Arts, Memory and Communities, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Louise Moody
- Centre for Arts, Memory and Communities, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian
- School of Software and Electrical Engineering, Swinburne University, Hawthorn, Australia
| | - Ryan Lewis
- National Transport Design Centre, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Ben Horan
- School of Engineering, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Traffic Light Priority for Trams in Warsaw as a Tool for Transport Policy and Reduction of Energy Consumption. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13084180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The article presents an analysis of priority solutions for trams at a selected sequence of intersections in Warsaw (Poland). An analysis of the literature has shown the topicality of this issue. A computer simulation model of a coordinated sequence of intersections was constructed. Three test scenarios were designed: the existing control system, the new coordinated fixed-time control system, and the adaptive control system with active priority. In the simulation process, detailed travel characteristics of trams and other traffic participants in a selected section were obtained for the three varying scenarios. Electric energy consumption for traction needs and pollutant emissions was then estimated for each of the variants. It was concluded that for the analyzed configuration, implementation of the adaptive priority will result in a reduction of tram time losses by up to 25%, a reduction in energy consumption by up to 23%, and a reduction in the emission of pollutants from individual vehicles by up to 3% in relation to the original variant. The conducted research may be the basis for a comprehensive method of assessing the effectiveness of applying the adaptative priority when designing new tramway lines and modernizing the existing ones.
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Truong LT, Currie G. Macroscopic road safety impacts of public transport: A case study of Melbourne, Australia. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2019; 132:105270. [PMID: 31445463 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2019.105270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mode shift from private vehicle to public transport is often considered as a potential means of improving road safety, given public transport's lower fatality rates. However, little research has examined how public transport travel contributes to road safety at a macroscopic level. Further, there is a limited understanding of the individual effects of different public transport modes. This paper explores the effects of commuting by public transport on road safety at a macroscopic level, using Melbourne as a case study. A random effect negative binomial (RENB) and a conditional autoregressive (CAR) model are adopted to explore links between total and severe crash data to commuting mode shares and a range of other zonal explanatory factors. Overall, results show the great potential of public transport as a road safety solution. It is evident that mode shift from private vehicle to public transport (i.e. train, tram, and bus), for commuting would reduce not only total crashes, but also severe crashes. Modelling also demonstrated that CAR models outperform RENB models. In addition, results highlight safety issues related to commuting by motorbike and active transport. Effects of sociodemographic, transport network, and land use factors on crashes at the macroscopic level are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long T Truong
- School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Graham Currie
- Public Transport Research Group, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Evaluation of a Road Safety Education Program Based on Driving Under Influence and Traffic Risks for Higher Secondary School Students in Belgium. SAFETY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/safety5020034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Road safety education has been recognized as an instrument for reducing road accidents. This study aims to evaluate the road safety education program “Traffic Weeks” among higher secondary school students (age 16–19) in Belgium. The program focuses on driving under influence (DUI) and traffic risks. This study investigates whether the program has an effect on socio-cognitive variables using a questionnaire based on the theory of planned behavior. During the pre-test, 445 students filled in the questionnaire, while 253 students filled in the questionnaire during the post-test. Of these, 175 questionnaires could be matched. The results indicate that the students already had quite a supportive view of road safety at pre-test, with female students showing a more supportive view of road safety than male students. The DUI workshop had a positive effect on most socio-cognitive variables (attitude, subjective norm-friends, and intention) of female students in general education, while the traffic risks workshop only affected perceived behavioral control of female students. In terms of appreciation, students had a significantly higher appreciation of the DUI workshop compared to the traffic risks workshop. During the focus groups, students gave recommendations to improve the program.
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Tan RMR, Dong C, Shen GQ, Feng JXY, Piragasam R, Tyebally A, Chong SL. Parental knowledge and beliefs on the use of child car restraints in Singapore: a qualitative study. Singapore Med J 2019; 61:102-107. [PMID: 30773603 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2019023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Road traffic injuries and fatalities represent a significant public health problem. In Singapore, compliance with appropriate child car restraints (CCRs) is poor. We aimed to understand parental knowledge, beliefs and barriers regarding the use of CCRs. METHODS In this qualitative study, we conducted five focus group discussions with parents who drive with their children in private cars. Participants were recruited using the KK Women's and Children's Hospital's social media page. Guiding questions were derived by consensus following literature review and adaptation to the Singapore context, exploring parental perceptions of CCR use. Focus group interviews were then transcribed and analysed. RESULTS 33 participants were recruited, with an age range of 28‒46 (mean age 35.5) years. They had a total of 46 children with ages ranging from 2.5 months to 14 years (mean age 4.2 years). Three key themes were identified: parental knowledge regarding CCRs, barriers to CCR use, and suggestions to increase CCR compliance. Barriers to compliance included lack of knowledge, difficult child behaviour and cultural norms. A multipronged approach was proposed to increase CCR use, including educating the public, reinforcing positive behaviour, legal enforcement as a deterrent to non-compliance, increasing CCR installation services, providing CCRs for taxi users and offering financial incentives. CONCLUSION Non-compliance to CCR use is multidimensional, including multiple potentially modifiable factors. This study could inform ongoing collaborative injury prevention efforts among healthcare professionals, industry partners and the traffic police, using public education and outreach to reduce the burden of road traffic injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Ming Ren Tan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Chaoyan Dong
- Department of Education, Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Germac Qiaoyue Shen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Jasmine Xun Yi Feng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Rupini Piragasam
- KK Research Centre, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Arif Tyebally
- Department of Emergency Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Shu-Ling Chong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
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