11 Aug 2020
Gungahlin College students Emily, Chloe and Oscar act as injured passengers in a light rail accident simulation
This week is Rail Safety Week, a national initiative to reinforce the importance of staying vigilant and always acting responsibly and safely around trains and, in Canberra, the light rail.
On Tuesday, Gungahlin College students joined Transport Canberra, CMET, Emergency Services and ACT Policing for a light rail safety training exercise.
Three students played the role of injured passengers, acting out the injuries commonly seen in the event of the emergency brake application required when someone or something obstructs the tracks as the tram approaches.
Afterwards, the students addressed the media on the importance of acting responsibly around the light rail and shared what they had learned from taking part in the accident simulation.
“Today I learned that you should always look both ways before crossing to make sure of what’s coming. Always hold onto the rail when you’re on the tram, you never know when something might happen, such as the emergency stop in the simulation today. I urge all members of the community, stay safe and encourage others to stay safe,” Emily said.
Many Gungahlin College students take the light rail in their day to day travels, so the exercise had a profound personal impact as well.
“The simulation is definitely going to change the way I think and behave on the tram. Seeing all the police and ambulance makes the experience more real. I never want to be involved in an accident like this,” Oscar said.
“An accident can affect so many people; It doesn’t just affect the pedestrian that was struck, it affects the emergency services personnel, the train personnel, passengers and everyone else around,” said Chloe.
Media students from Gungahlin College were also given the opportunity to tail media present at the event to learn what goes on behind the scenes to cover events like these.
The accident simulation was an important learning experience for all involved.
Rail Safety Week is 10-16 August. Be rail safe this week and every week.
A student addresses the media at the accident simulation