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Streetcar Accidents


LaurenBlair

When you drive to work every morning in Toronto it doesn't take very long for you to get a feel for how much traffic is normal and when something is ...off. Well today on our way to work Mel and I noticed that there was quite a bit of traffic and after we passed 3 halted street cars we knew something must have happened. If you've ever lived in Toronto and had to rely on the streetcars for transportation you've probably experienced or at least seen what I'm describing. Normally it's just a problem with the tracks or the car itself and it can be fixed pretty quickly.


This morning was a little different though, we got the front of the first street car and saw a large pile of metal and debris, the front bumper of the street car was dangling... and about 15 feet ahead and off to the side was a minivan with its back completely crushed into the backseat.


Now, I would have been surprised by the thought of a streetcar involved in this type of accident... had I not seen almost the exact same this yesterday morning! The same streetcar route, same direction, the only difference was the damage to the back of the car was less than this morning. **Actually I can't remember if the first accident was yesterday or Monday.


Am I just new in town or is anybody else a little disturbed by this? Have you ever witnessed or seen the aftermath of a streetcar accident?

Mar 30, 2011 @ 10:18 am

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12 Replies


mamaluv

:(

Wow, I really hope no one was injured! Every time there's a train-on-car collision, it's never a good outcome for the people in the car :( And since so many people are standing on the streetcar, that can't be good news for them either.
Mar 30, 2011 @ 10:31 am

LaurenBlair

From quick glance


It didn't look like anyone was hurt this morning. There was an ambulance but from what I saw there was only one man in the van and he seemed to be fine.

You're right, it's tough enough keeping your balance sometimes when the streetcar is packed it's near impossible when it breaks suddenly or if it hit something.
Mar 30, 2011 @ 11:24 am

Becky

wow :(

I'm glad no one was hurt! The mother of a friend was hit by a streetcar last year. Thank God she was only knocked down and the streetcar didn't run her over. She had to go through physio and take several months off work to get back to normal.

These TTC drivers really need to be more careful and less competitive on the road!! Many times I see streetcar or bus drivers drive slowly and then speed up when they notice someone trying to overtake them. The road is to share!! I have no tolerance for road rage and irresponsible drivers in general, but when TTC drivers show road rage (or behave rudely to passengers in their streetcar/bus), it just boggles the mind. But what can we do? We've paid for our monthly passes, they already got their share of our money, so they don't technically need to provide a good service, do they?
Mar 30, 2011 @ 01:30 pm

LaurenBlair

@becky

I've had some really great drivers and some really grumpy ones. Some that go way above the call of duty and others that couldn't care less. It also depends on the day, we all have bad days and streetcar drivers (like a lot of public servants) have to spend their day making small talk and being cheery with people, I'm sure it takes a toll on them sometimes

Mar 30, 2011 @ 03:11 pm

meredithk115

good and bad days?

That's not an option when you are driving people around in a piece of metal that weighs almost a ton?

These TTC people need to get real and fast....this is what happens in unionized environments! TTC employees think they run things and that they are 'untouchable' -it's time for the public to denounce them and weed out the 'dead weight'

Sad and pathetic. I am getting really sick of seeing TTC employees in photographs that are texting and on the phone when they are supposed to be driving. Why are we the victims? TTC fares are on the rise....when will this stop?
Mar 31, 2011 @ 09:45 pm

LaurenBlair

@meredithk

I completely respect your point. I wasn't saying having a bad day is an excuse for dangerous or inappropriate behaviour, there isn't an excuse for that when as you said you're driving a "piece of metal that weighs a ton" - very true! I was referring more to the cheerful and grumpy attitudes - like when your driver smiles or asks how your day is going vs. grumbling under their breath or barking to exit through the back door.

Apr 01, 2011 @ 04:18 pm

meredithk115

attitudes included......

even a grumpy attitude can cause an accident!!!

My coworker has a poster that reads "Attitudes are contagious-is yours worth catching?"

It costs nothing to smile or greet-it's a small 'pay it forward' that can make a difference! TTC employees, take note!
Apr 01, 2011 @ 06:47 pm

Ali de Bold

Not always their fault?

I have been riding the streetcar for a long time and for the most part, it's people ignoring the streetcar, jumping in front of them when there isn't enough space for the streetcar driver to brake in time, or in the case where the streetcar has a dedicated lane, trying to hop the tracks. I have seen many cars T-boned from a streetcar because they tried to hop over the tracks onto the other side of the road instead of making a proper u-turn at the traffic lights. It's so easily avoided.

Keep in mind there is very little maneuverability for streetcars as they are stuck on whatever track they are on. They can't react or swerve like a car and goodness knows we have our share of bad drivers in the city. Everyone just needs to be more cautious all around.
Apr 04, 2011 @ 09:55 pm

Eugeni

.

Unfortunately, most streetcar accidents happen due to carelessness and breaking the rules.
May 02, 2022 @ 05:52 am

Yark

.

Yes, both drivers and pedestrians often don't follow the rules. Such inattentiveness leads to accidents. Even if nobody is injured, the consequences might be painful. I had an unfortunate legal situation on the road several months ago. Fortunately, I found this company website and a good lawyer who resolved the matter without allowing it to be dragged on and without the need for a trial. So, from my own experience, I can say that it is essential to be super attentive when on the road.
May 02, 2022 @ 06:07 am

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