Vandalism within tram cars may also be a concern. Finally, the tram car may catch fire or explode due to faulty equipment.
Passenger Accidents
Trams coming to a sudden stop may cause injuries to passengers on board. Passengers may also slip, trip or fall on the tram or the tram platform. Blind passengers are particularly at risk of falling off a tram or, despite safety systems, getting injured by closing doors. In areas of overcrowded tram systems, illegal passengers are in danger of falling off or being trapped between tram cars. Fire aboard a tram puts passengers at risk of severe injury or death.
Furthermore, passengers may be at risk of robbery or assault aboard a tram or at a tram stop. Other accidents involving passengers may include being struck by a car while exiting the tram or while waiting at a tram platform. Such incidents are often taken into account during Tram public safety studies.
Accidents Involving Public
While collisions with cars are the most common form of tram accident, cyclists and pedestrians are the group most at risk of death during tram collisions. Cyclists may experience a loss of control if bicycle tires get jammed in tramway tracks. More rarely, members of the public may also climb over a tram car, or in other ways get in contact with the electric conductors or other electric appliances of a tram, and receive an electric shock.
Within certain localities, Alcohol consumption appears to be a major confounding factor. In Göteborg, Sweden an estimated 60% of fatally injured victims were under the influence of alcohol.