Han Ximin

ximhan@126.com

SHENZHEN Modern Tram Co. Ltd. has reminded drivers and pedestrians to follow the rules and obey traffic lights after a tram-car collision yesterday.

The tram, 10414 (T6), which is undergoing a test run, hit a car at the intersection of Renmin Road and Guanlan Road Central in Longhua around 3:50 p.m. yesterday. The car and tram were slightly damaged, and no one was injured.

A police investigation showed that the car driver should be held fully responsible for the accident as the driver made a sudden left turn and competed for road.

Competing for the road and making sudden left turns has been rated among the top eight behaviors that could easily cause accidents.

The other dangerous behaviors include pedestrians taking shortcuts to stations instead of using footbridges, riders going beyond off-limit areas while waiting for trains, putting stones, metal and even bikes on the rails and sitting, walking, or playing on the rails at night.

The vehicles traveling in the same direction as the tram could easily cause an accident if they run a red light or make a sudden left turn. Many signs banning vehicles from turning left have been set up at intersections to remind drivers. At some intersections that allow vehicles to turn left, the company reminds drivers to be cautious before making a left turn.

The use of full-beam lights from the opposite direction is another behavior that could cause tram accidents as it prevents the tram driver from clearly seeing the area ahead.

The operator also reminded pedestrians to make sure it is safe before crossing the tramlines at intersections where there aren’t traffic lights.