At least 1000 collisions occurred last year and this year has already seen more than 450, prompting Yarra Trams to revive an iconic safety campaign.
The “Beware the Rhino” campaign, launched in 2011, reminds drivers that trams weigh up to 30 rhinoceroses and a tram travelling at 30km/h has a minimum stopping distance of 13 metres.
Yarra Trams CEO Carla Purcell said the campaign was a timely reminder to motorists to drive safely.
“We want our employees, our passengers, motorists and members of the community to be safe when travelling on and around trams,” Purcell said.
“We remind motorists to always check for trams before turning and give way to trams.
“Our drivers are highly skilled and always seeking to avoid a collision, but sometimes they are unable to stop in time.”
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CCTV has been released of some collisions that could have been avoided, many showing drivers failing to give way to trams.
Melbourne’s tram network is the world’s largest with more than 250 kilometres of dual track, which shares 75 per cent of the network with road users.