Road traffic collision update
April – October 2015
Key issues raised and/or suggested by the stories in this edition:
Third party behaviour (including drink-driving)
Taxi driver behaviour
Fatigue
Collisions while stationary
Visibility at junctions
RTA incidents vs injuries Apr-Oct 2015
20
15
10
5
0
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Incident
Aug
Sep
Oct
Injuries
Contents: (Click to navigate)
October
30 October: Taxi struck in rear by car, train driver injured
30 October: Train driver in road accident near Lanark
24 October: Staff member strikes jaywalker near Battle Road crossing
18 October: RTA near Twickenham injures staff
15 October: Contractors in RTC near Hampden Park, three suffer serious injuries
15 October: Colas vehicle involved in five-vehicle accident near Hollingbourne
14 October: Trainee drivers injured in cab at Bristol
8 October: Stationary van struck by third party vehicle causing secondary collision and
injury near Fareham
6 October: Police collide with NR van at Southwick
September
30 September: Leeds driver injured when taxi strikes car in front
29 September: Rear-end collision near Little Eaton injures telecoms staff
16 September: Rear-end collision at pedestrian crossing
16 September: Van rolls on verge, driver suffers minor injuries
Produced by RSSB
Author: Dr Greg Morse
Email address: Greg.Morse@rssb.co.uk
Road traffic collision update
14 September: Oncoming vehicle strikes staff car head on
August
28 August: Accident leads NR van to stop, struck by third party, injuring 2
24 August: Robbery attempt highlights faulty seat belt near Fenchurch Street
10 August: Third party action leads to evasive action and roll at Merthyr Tydfill
6 August: Third party action injures MOM at Longton
6 August: Visibility issues behind collision at Oxenholme
3 August: Third party overtakes, loses control and strikes staff vehicle, injuring 2
3 August: Rear-end collision in Ilford
2 August: Norwich-based crew in near miss on taxi journey
July
28 July: Poor sighting leads car to pull out at strike van at Kirkdale
28 July: Car strikes van, sends it into ditch, injuring 2 at Irvine
26 July: Two injured in Knottingley when drunk driver collides with stationary van
17 July: Two injured in Chippenham when crew bus pushed off road
5 July: Guard and driver hurt when taxi collides with vehicle in Eastbourne
June
30 June: Drunk driver strikes taxi, injuring guard
26 June: Three injured in Bognor when van struck while waiting at lights
16 June: Rear-end collision at Kingskettle injures ScotRail staff
8 June: Staff member injured in collision at Macclesfield
May
27 May: Apprentice suffers neck pain when vehicle struck side-on in Rugby
20 May: Project Manager injured when lorry strikes car in Derby
17 May: Five injured when driver falls asleep near Wetherby
3 May: Collision with dustbin lorry at Llangelyn
April
29 April: Four NR staff injured in collision between two rail-owned vehicles at Hartford
28 April: Rear-end collision at Huntingdon
24 April: Crossing keeper struck by gate struck by car at East Farleigh
18 April: Driver injured in taxi en route to Eastleigh
16 April: Rear-end collision at Sheffield
3 April: Van struck from behind on M1 near Watford Gap
Produced by RSSB
Author: Dr Greg Morse
Email address: Greg.Morse@rssb.co.uk
Road traffic collision update
October
6 October: Police collide with NR van at Soutwick
At 16:13, a member of Network Rail Operation staff reported that they were attending a possible
suicide incident at Southwick when he was involved in a road traffic accident. The member of staff was
shaken by the incident, which occurred when a police vehicle came out of the New England Depot and
struck his van.
8 October: Stationary van struck by third party vehicle causing secondary collision
and injury near Fareham
On 8 October, a member of the Reading Infrastructure projects team was at a stand behind another
vehicle at a set of traffic lights on the M27 slip road at Fareham. The car was struck in rear by another
vehicle travelling at between 40 and 50mph. This caused the Network Rail vehicle to strike the vehicle
in front. The member of staff was badly shaken and suffered minor whiplash.
14 October: Trainee drivers injured in cab at Bristol
Four trainee drivers were travelling in a taxi between Bristol Temple Meads and St Phillips Marsh Depot
when the vehicle was involved in a collision with another. There were no reported major injuries.
15 October: Colas vehicle involved in five-vehicle accident near Hollingbourne
At 04:40, a crash involving five vehicles occurred on the M20 near Hollingboune. Initially, a white van
collided with the rear of a lorry while both were moving. Another lorry was forced to take evasive
action, which led it to collide with a passing car. All the vehicle occupants were out of their vehicles
and standing on the hard shoulder when a Colas vehicle came across the scene. In the dark, the Colas
driver saw the wreckage in his headlights and look evasive action. However, he lost control of the
vehicle and collided with two people who were standing on the hard shoulder.
The passenger in the Colas vehicle suffered a broken wrist, bruising from the airbag, and a broken
shoulder. He did not remember the crash as he was asleep at the time.
The Colas driver suffered a possible broken arm, the collapse of lungs, a broken femur, cracked pelvis
and a dislocated ball joint in his hip. He was sent to Kings College Hospital in London and underwent
surgery.
15 October: Contractors in RTC near Hampden Park, three suffer serious injuries
At 17:06, it was reported that five members of Shorterm Rail staff had been involved in a road traffic
collision in the Hampden Park area, after completing a turn of duty with the Brighton Delivery Unit. All
were taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, where one of the members of staff was initially
reported to have suffered life-threatening injuries. This was later updated to be three persons with
serious injuries and two with cuts and bruises.
Initial reports from the team indicate that they had been overtaking a vehicle which was turning left
in front of them. However, the vehicle in front of this one turned right immediately in front of them as
they were passing, hence the collision.
18 October: RTA near Twickenham injures staff
At 13:43, a member of Network Rail staff was injured when a third party vehicle collided with the staff
vehicle on the A316 near Twickenham. The staff member, who attended hospital, was reported to
have suffered whiplash.
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Author: Dr Greg Morse
Email address: Greg.Morse@rssb.co.uk
Road traffic collision update
24 October: Staff member strikes jaywalker near Battle Road crossing
At 23:40, it was reported that a member of Amey staff had been involved in a road traffic accident
whilst driving between worksites on the A21 near Battle Road crossing. The incident occurred when
his wing mirror struck a pedestrian who was staggering about the road. The police reported that they
had received earlier reports of the pedestrian being in the road (police believing the pedestrian to be
under the influence of drugs). The police breathalysed the driver and he was allowed to return to work.
However, he was shaken so was escorted back to his hotel.
30 October: Train driver in road accident near Lanark
At 16:10, a train driver was involved in a car accident en route from Motherwell to Lanark. He was
reported sustaining chest pain and attend Hospital.
30 October: Taxi struck in rear by car, train driver injured
On 30 October, a taxi in which a train driver was travelling from Tyseley Depot to Worcester was struck
in rear by a car. The car driver admitted that she accidently hit the accelerator instead of the brake.
Since getting out of the car, the driver has experience pain and stiffness in his neck area.
31 October: Car involved in chase strikes stationary staff van, two injured
At 01:30, it was reported that two members of McGinleys staff had been involved in a road traffic
collision near Birkbeck station. A car, which had been involved in a police chase, struck their van while
they were parked up. The two members of staff had to be cut free by emergency services before being
taken to Lewisham Hospital with slight whiplash injuries.
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September
14 September: Oncoming vehicle strikes staff car head on
At 06:00, a member of Plymouth DU staff was returning from the Penadlake (near Bodmin Parkway)
and was decelerating from around 50 to 40mph. Whilst checking his speed, he suddenly became aware
of the dazzle of headlights from an oncoming vehicle. The vehicle was swerving back from completely
the wrong side of the road and hit the staff member's vehicle head-on.
The driver recalls the van sliding on its passenger side. He sustained injuries to his left elbow, right
wrist, bruising to his ribs and abdomen, and muscle strains in his neck (inter alia).
16 September: Van rolls on verge, driver suffers minor injuries
At 02:00, a Colas S&T controller was involved in a road traffic accident on the A4146 at Stoke
Hammond. The vehicle's near-side wheels got caught in a soft verge and the van rolled over four times.
The controller suffered minor injuries and was taken to Milton Keynes Hospital.
16 September: Rear-end collision at pedestrian crossing
At 13:05, whilst returning to depot, a Network Rail car was struck in rear by another vehicle whilst
standing at a pedestrian crossing. The driver and passenger in the Network Rail vehicle suffered shock.
The former was absent from work for one day, the latter for two days.
29 September: Rear-end collision near Little Eaton injures telecoms staff
At 08:55, a Derby-based telecoms staff member was moving slowly on the southbound A38 near Long
Eaton, when he was struck in rear by another vehicle, causing him to strike the vehicle in front in turn.
Produced by RSSB
Author: Dr Greg Morse
Email address: Greg.Morse@rssb.co.uk
Road traffic collision update
The staff member sustained bruising and some swelling to his spine. He was absent from work for six
days.
30 September: Leeds driver injured when taxi strikes car in front
On 30 September, a Leeds-based driver was involved in an accident when the taxi in which he was
travelling collided with a stationary car. The taxi had set off from a car park and struck the car in front.
There were no reported injuries.
Back to top
August
2 August: Norwich-based crew in near miss on taxi journey
At 00:30, a Norwich-based driver and conductor reported a near miss during a taxi journey. They
advised that the taxi driver was reaching speeds of 114mph and having 'close shaves' at roundabouts
whist imbibing a can of 'drink'. The employees were ignored when they asked the taxi driver to slow
down.
3 August: Rear-end collision in Ilford
At 06:45, a stationary rail-owned road vehicle was struck from behind by a third party vehicle at Gants
Hill on the A12 roundabout near Ilford.
3 August: Third party overtakes, loses control and strikes staff vehicle, injuring 2
At 15:06, a road traffic accident occurred on New Road near Angel Road station, involving a Network
Rail vehicle, which was struck by a third party vehicle travelling on the wrong side of the road, having
overtaken one vehicle and then lost control. Two members of Network Rail staff were injured.
6 August: Visibility issues behind collision at Oxenholme
Whilst exiting Paddy Lane onto the A685 at 00:00, a car approaching from right struck a Network Rail
Transit van. The exit on to the A685 has limited visibility for vehicles approaching from both left and
right.
6 August: Third party action injures MOM at Longton
At 15:25, a MOM was on link road that takes to the A550 at Longton. He approached the roundabout
in the right-hand lane while a member of public's vehicle was standing in the middle one. The member
of public then pulled into the passenger side of the MOM's vehicle, causing a dent to a near-side panel.
The MOM suffered slight pain in his lower back.
10 August: Third party action leads to evasive action and roll at Merthyr Tydfill
At 00:40, a group of McGinley’s contractors were on their way to Bathapton from Wales when a car
sped out in front of their crew bus near Merthyr. The crew bus driver swerved to avoid the car and hit
a kerb, causing the bus to roll down an embankment. Four of those on board were shaken up and one
suffered a fractured nose as a result of the incident.
24 August: Robbery attempt highlights faulty seat belt near Fenchurch Street
At 11:00, it was reported that a road traffic accident had occurred near Fenchurch Street. A Network
Rail road vehicle was ‘cut up’ by a third party, causing the driver to perform an emergency stop. Despite
wearing a seatbelt, this caused a passenger in the rear of the van to hit their head on the rear parcel
Produced by RSSB
Author: Dr Greg Morse
Email address: Greg.Morse@rssb.co.uk
Road traffic collision update
shelf, thereby sustaining a cut to the head. The injured person was taken to hospital, requiring several
stitches to their face.
When tested by the AA, the seat belt used by the passenger was found to be faulty. The vehicle was
taken out of service pending further investigation.
It is believed that this was an attempted ‘Smash for Cash’ incident. As a result, staff were briefed on
the risks associated with ‘Smash for Cash’, along with the importance of seat belts.
28 August: Accident leads NR van to stop, struck by third party, injuring 2
At 12:05, it was reported that there had been a road traffic accident on the A1 (northbound) near
Newcastle. Traffic levels caused a Network Rail vehicle to stop. A third party vehicle then struck it in
rear. Both the driver and passenger sustained whiplash. No time lost.
Back to top
July
5 July: Guard and driver hurt when taxi collides with vehicle in Eastbourne
A guard and driver were in a taxi travelling back to Eastbourne when they were involved in a collision
with another vehicle at 01:00. An ambulance was called and both staff were checked by paramedics.
They appeared to be fine and both declined further medical assistance. A replacement taxi took them
back to Eastbourne. The conductor later reported neck and shoulder pain and went off sick. The driver
did not go off sick, but reported stiffness of parts of her body.
17 July: Two injured in Chippenham when crew bus pushed off road
An RSS gang were turning into Sodden Lane at approximately 07:30, when a Honda 4X4 drove into the
passenger door, pushing the crew bus into a farmer's fence. The Honda driver did not brake and both
airbags deployed.
There were no reported major injuries, though two passengers in the crew bus complained of back
pain. They were advised to see their doctor before returning to work. All staff attended hospital and
were given pain killers for mild bruising. Two were later signed off for seven days.
26 July: Two injured in Knottingley when drunk driver collides with stationary van
At 01:45 a member of staff, acting as a possession support, was waiting in a Network Rail van that was
parked up at England Lane near Knottingley. A car came along and nearly hit the van. Its driver got out
and spoke to staff, who believed he was under the influence of substances or alcohol. As a result, they
reported their concerns to the police. Before the police came, the car returned to the area and ran
into the back of the Network Rail van. The police arrived shortly after.
The member of staff sustained injuries that led to time off work.
28 July: Car strikes van, sends it into ditch, injuring 2 at Irvine
At 04:00, it was reported that two members of Irvine S&T had been involved in a road traffic accident
between Irvine and Barassie. Whilst coming off of a roundabout, another car coming in the opposite
direction slid into the driver's side of their van, causing it to slide into a ditch. No first aid or hospital
treatment was required, however the following night one staff member reported an injury to his
shoulder and reported sick.
Produced by RSSB
Author: Dr Greg Morse
Email address: Greg.Morse@rssb.co.uk
Road traffic collision update
28 July: Poor sighting leads car to pull out at strike van at Kirkdale
At 16:15, a vehicle pulled out from a side road on Westminster Road, Kirkdale, striking a Network Rail
vehicle. Poor sighting due to road works and associated signage were cited as reasons for the non-rail
driver's actions.
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June
8 June: Staff member injured in collision at Macclesfield
At 14:52, Manchester E&P advised that they had injured their left knee after being involved in a road
traffic accident in Macclesfield.
16 June: Rear-end collision at Kingskettle injures ScotRail staff
At 09:35, a member of the ScotRail maintenance team was driving through Kingskettle en route to
Cupar. Traffic was slow-moving and he slowed the van down to 10-15 mph when a car travelling behind
drove into his rear. Police inspected the site and found that full responsibility was on the member of
the public.
26 June: Three injured in Bognor when van struck while waiting at lights
Two members of Barnham Permanent Way staff and a contractor were in a Network Rail vehicle when
their van was struck in the rear by a car whilst stationary at a set of traffic lights in Bognor Regis. All
three occupants of the Network Rail vehicle suffered slight neck ache, but no hospital attention was
required. One member of staff visited his doctor later in the day as a precaution. The third party
admitted that he did not notice that the van was not moving.
30 June: Drunk driver strikes taxi, injuring guard
A guard being transported in a taxi was involved in a road traffic accident at 00:00. The guard reported
that he sustained a whiplash-type injury and later reported sick.
It was confirmed that the accident was very minor and that the taxi had been hit by another vehicle.
The other vehicle had departed from the scene without leaving any information. The taxi driver rang
the police while he was checking the vehicle for damage. The damage was very minor, so the car was
able to continue. The police have since reported that driver of the other vehicle had been drinking.
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May
3 May: Collision with dustbin lorry at Llangelyn
At 07:30, a rail owned road vehicle collided with a dustbin lorry at Llangelynin. The lorry was
proceeding ahead, with its hazard lights on, at between 5 and 10 mph. When it slowed down, the
member of staff indicated to overtake and started to pull out, at which point the dustbin lorry turned
right and struck the front near side of the vehicle, pushing it into a fence. The police held Gwynedd
County Council responsible.
17 May: Five injured when driver falls asleep near Wetherby
At approximately 06:00, a van carrying five members of Quantum Rail Construction staff was involved
in a road traffic accident near the A1 Services at Wetherby. It was reported that the driver had briefly
Produced by RSSB
Author: Dr Greg Morse
Email address: Greg.Morse@rssb.co.uk
Road traffic collision update
fallen asleep at the wheel and then woke up after his colleagues shouted at him. This caused the
vehicle to swerve and overturn.
The emergency services were called and administered first aid. There was only one staff member who
was advised to attend hospital. The driver was unhurt but shaken. The four staff members suffered
slight injuries to elbows, neck and shoulders.
It was advised that the staff had been working at Northallerton station in a Northallerton High
Junction–Ferryhill possession.
20 May: Project Manager injured when lorry strikes car in Derby
A Network Operations Scheme Project Manager was driving on London Road, Derby, at 08:30 and was
stationary in a row of traffic when a lorry behind struck the rear of the car. The member of staff
suffered pain/discomfort in his lower back and visited a Minor Injuries Unit the following day for
advice. No lost time was incurred.
27 May: Apprentice suffers neck pain when vehicle struck side-on in Rugby
At 12:00, a Network Rail apprentice’s van was struck by a vehicle side-on when the latter emerged
from a T-junction in Cathiron, Rugby. The driver experienced neck pain; after visiting the hospital, it
was determined he had damaged his neck muscles and was prescribed medication.
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April
3 April: Van struck from behind on M1 near Watford Gap
At 13:30, a Signalling IP contractor was heading south in a van on the M1, when he was struck from
behind by a car near Watford Gap. The impact shunted the van into the one in front. The contractor
suffered a whiplash injury, but there was no 'lost time' reported.
16 April: Rear-end collision at Sheffield
At 17:10, a member of staff was injured when a car struck his Network Rail vehicle from behind at
Sheffield.
18 April: Driver injured in taxi en route to Eastleigh
At 18:30, a Northam-based driver was travelling to Eastleigh when his taxi was struck in rear by a car
on the A335 (M27, Junction 5). The train driver suffered lower back pain as a result.
The taxi driver got out and spoke with the other driver. After approximately 15 minutes, the taxi driver
continued the journey to Eastleigh. At this point, the driver realised that he had missed his booked
'passing service' to Basingstoke and contacted the Operational Resource Manager at Fratton to report
the accident and subsequent delay.
The driver made no allegation against the taxi driver. However, his manager contacted the
Southampton Streamline taxi company in order to ascertain what follow-up procedures are taken after
events like this. He was advised that all Streamline drivers are required to report such incidents to the
company and that any claim for loss or injury would be made through the owning driver's insurance.
At the time of this call, Streamline was unaware of the incident.
Produced by RSSB
Author: Dr Greg Morse
Email address: Greg.Morse@rssb.co.uk
Road traffic collision update
24 April: Crossing keeper struck by gate struck by car at East Farleigh
At 13:36, BTP reported that the crossing keeper at East Farleigh had been struck by a road vehicle at
the crossing. At 13:57, ambulance staff arrived and reported that the signaller had sustained neck
injuries.
A car had attempted to weave around the gates as they were being closed. It struck one gate, which
in turn struck the keeper. The car left the scene without stopping. The keeper was taken to hospital
with a head injury, and was later reported to have sustained life-changing spinal injuries.
Post-incident, yellow box hatching was laid from stop line to stop line to deter vehicles from stopping
on the crossing. It is also intended that signallers will be supplied with CCTV ‘body cams’.
28 April: Rear-end collision at Huntingdon
At 08:04, a member of staff was injured after joining static traffic on the A14, when a third party vehicle
collided with the rear of his car.
29 April: Four NR staff injured in collision between two rail-owned vehicles at
Hartford
At 15:37, a Network Rail OLE technician was travelling between sites of work along School Lane in
Hartford behind a vehicle being driven by another Network Rail employee, which was approximately
20 metres in front. When it came to an unexpected standstill, the OLE technician panicked, missed the
brake pedal and struck its rear. All four members of staff involved were injured.
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Author: Dr Greg Morse
Email address: Greg.Morse@rssb.co.uk