Residents of Sydney are used to sharing the road with more than just cars. However, the recent expansion of city rail services across the country has once again highlighted the importance of staying alert and maintaining safety on the road. Local government and Sydney driving schools also emphasise staying safe around light rail. Road safety doesn’t stop at just cars. Whether walking on the paved footpaths, driving, or riding your bike near the tracks, you must remain careful when close to the railway tracks. Safer Drivers courses offered by the government also encourage drivers to drive safely, especially around light rail. Here are some key tips for safety around light rail, whether you’re a pedestrian, driver, or cyclist.
Tips for Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrians often think that they don’t need to be as careful on the road as drivers because they’re walking on the side. However, when strolling around light rail tracks, even pedestrians need to be careful. While the trams are quiet and fast, they cannot stop as easily as a car can. Here’s what pedestrians should keep in mind:
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Stay Alert
Light rail vehicles approach silently, they don’t make much noise. When you’re walking on the road while listening to music or scrolling through social media posts, you might zone out and forget paying attention to the road. But it’s best to keep your eyes and ears open and stay fully aware of your surroundings when walking around the light rail.
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Cross at Designated Areas
It’s tempting to attempt crossing the rail tracks when it seems empty, especially when you’re running late. But doing so is nothing short of stupidity. Crossing the rail tracks may seem like a time-saving solution, but it can easily turn into a life hazard as the rails are fast and approach without making much noise.
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Wait for Trains to Pass
More often than not, trams in Sydney can be seen following each other or driving in opposite directions, one after the other. This makes crossing the roads trickier. So, it’s always better to wait until the tram has passed fully, as there may be another one immediately after it, sometimes going in the opposite direction.
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Avoid Walking on Tracks
Roads have designated footpath zones for pedestrians to walk on. Similarly, the tracks are for trams, not pedestrians. Tracks can be dangerous, and hence walking across tracks is illegal in Sydney. So, pedestrians should stay in safe walking zones like footpaths.
Tips for Driver Safety
Whether you’re a learner taking driving lessons at a Sydney driving school or a seasoned driver, staying alert and safe on the roads is important for all. In a city like Sydney, with busy urban areas, drivers should drive safely around light rail to reduce the risk of accidents. Here are some tips for drivers to remember when driving around light rail:
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Follow Traffic Signs and Signals
Signals are specifically designed to prevent accidents and reduce risks on the road. And the light rail in Sydney has dedicated traffic lights to avoid any collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. Not obeying the signals or traffic lights is also illegal and can lead to fines and penalties. So, it’s better to follow the lights and signals to avoid accidents and fines.
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Avoid Stopping on Tracks
When you have to cross the tracks, make sure that there’s enough space on the other side. If you get stuck on the tracks, it can be very dangerous as well as illegal. So, drivers should ensure they don’t stop on the tracks for any reason.
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Look Both Ways
Usually, pedestrians are advised to look both ways when crossing. However, in the case of trams, this advice works for the drivers too. When driving on shared roads, drivers must remember that Trams can come from either direction and their approach is quiet. So, if you’re crossing a shared road, it’s important to double-check before crossing or taking a turn.
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Yield to Trains
The rules of the right of way are also different for trams. In Sydney, drivers must always give way to trams. So, as a driver, you must be patient and avoid rushing on the road.
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Tips for Cyclist Safety
Cyclists in Sydney are often the most vulnerable near tram tracks. Some streets and areas, like Surry Hills or George Street, have rail tracks running alongside bike lanes. This can become very dangerous if cyclists are not careful. Here are some tips for cyclists to ride safely:
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Cross Tracks at a Right Angle
For cyclists, diagonal crossings of trams can cause problems as their wheels can get trapped in the groove. You should always cross the tracks at a 90-degree angle to avoid getting stuck.
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Watch for Track Grooves
Tracks for rails are often slippery and sometimes deep enough that your bike’s narrow tires might get stuck. To avoid getting trapped, reduce your speed, keep a firm grip on the handlebars, and look out for track grooves when crossing.
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Obey Traffic Signals
Trams have separate traffic signals which cyclists should also follow. They should stop when required and stay alert when crossing the tracks.
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Stay in the Bike Lane
Cyclists should avoid riding too close to the tracks unless it's necessary. Instead, you can use marked bike paths to reduce your risk.
Final Thoughts
Simply passing the driving test and getting a driver’s license is not enough - drivers must also be prepared for real-world driving. Light rail safety is a vital part of the road environment in NSW, and most Sydney driving schools incorporate it into both their driving lessons and Safer Drivers Courses. Whether you're a pedestrian, cyclist, or a vehicle driver, staying aware and following the rules can prevent accidents and save lives.
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