Don’t underestimate dangers of trams, experts warn after fatal accident in Hong Kong
- Weighing up to 28 tonnes, trams take longer distance to stop than cars, they say
Hong Kong’s trams may pose a greater safety risk to pedestrians than cars as they underestimate the longer stopping distances required during emergencies, experts have said.
The girl was crossing the street with her six-year-old sister, their grandfather, 66, and the family’s domestic helper, 34, all of whom were also injured.
The family were believed to be crossing the street while the red signal was on, according to a source familiar with the case. The three injured were in a stable condition.
Police said they had arrested the driver, 48, for dangerous driving causing death and detained him for inquiries.
Lo Kok-keung, a retired engineer from Polytechnic University, warned that pedestrians should not underestimate the risks of trams. They were heavier and required greater stopping distances in emergencies, said Lo, who often appears in court as an expert witness.