StreetcarSafetyInfo 2014-06-26

7/23/2019 StreetcarSafetyInfo 2014-06-26

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S E A T T L E S T R E E T C A R

Looking Out for Your Safety

Seattle Streetcar Online Information

June 2014


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SDOTs mission & vision

Mission: delivering a first-rate transportation system for Seattle.

Vision: a vibrant Seattle with connected people, places and products.


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SDOTs core principles

Keep it safe

Focus on thebasics

Build healthycommunities

Support athriving

economy

Provide greatservice


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Overview Things to know about

streetcars

What to know if youre:

Walking

Biking

Driving

Riding the streetcar


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Things to know about streetcars

The streetcar runs in a dedicated lane through

Lake Union Park.

Streetcars are very quiet. Itsimportant to look out for theirmovement.

Streetcars sound warning bells andhorns when there are obstacles intheir path.

Streetcars mostly share a lane withcars, buses and trucks. There are nofences or other barriers separatingstreetcars from other street users.

In some locations, streetcars runthrough a pedestrian plaza or intheir own dedicated lanes, whereother vehicles may not travel.


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Because they run on tracks,streetcars cannot swerve to avoidobstacles.

Streetcars travel up to thepermitted speed limit, typically 30mph.

Streetcars sometimes have their

own traffic signals and can crossthe street when other vehiclescannot.

Streetcars are mostly powered by

overhead electric wires, similar toMetro trolley buses. The overheadelectric wires are live and can beextremely hazardous! They shouldnever be touched or disturbed.

Things to know about streetcars


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People walking Only cross streetcar tracks atmarked crosswalks or

intersections.

Always look both ways whencrossing streetcar tracks.

When crossing tracks with

wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers

cross at a right angle to avoidgetting wheels stuck in the trackgroove.

Remove headphones and put

down mobile phones so you canhear streetcar warning bells andhorns.


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People biking Cross streetcar tracks at a right

angle to avoid falling. Because thetrack groove is just slightly wider

than the typical bike tire, your tirecould get stuck.

Dont ride on top of the rails Yourwheels may get stuck in the track

groove.

Consider walking your bike acrossstreetcar tracks when they are wetor icy, as tracks can be slippery.

Dont enter lanes reservedexclusively for streetcars. Theselanes are indicated by signs andchanges in pavement.

Bicycles should cross streetcar tracks at a right angleto avoid getting caught in the streetcar track.


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Use bike lanes and marked bikecrossings, where available. Avoidriding in the streetcar lane.

You can bring bikes onto thestreetcar, if theres space available.Leave room for people inwheelchairs and dont block seats

or exits when they are needed.

Use clear hand signals so thatstreetcars and other drivers areaware of your intentions.

People biking


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New signs to look out for

Streetcar tracks ahead.Be careful and cross

tracks at a right angle,

if possible.

Two-stage left turn boxes canhelp you cross streetcar tracks ata right angle if youre on a bike.

Streetcars only no bikes, no cars.

Bikes use two-waypath.

Bike signals indicate when bikes in theprotected bike lane should stop (red light) ormay cross the intersection (green light). Bike

signals are not the same as vehicle signals.

Bike

signal

Vehiclesignal


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Driving Be prepared to stop behindstreetcars. Streetcars stop in lane topick up passengers.

Be careful when tracks are wet or icy they could be slippery.

Look out for pedestrians running tocatch a streetcar or getting off astreetcar and crossing the road.

If you have a fender bender over astreetcar track, clear the track and

move into a parking lane or otherprotected place, if its safe to do so.


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Parking and loading Never stop, idle or park your

vehicle in the streetcars path or in

protected bike lanes. Obstructioncould lead to your vehicle beingtowed.

Always park inside the markedparking lines to ensure that your

vehicle is not in the streetcars path.

Before opening your car door,check to see if a streetcar is

approaching.

Load and unload in designatedloading zones only and dont placeitems in the streetcars path.


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Freight and other oversizedvehicles should be sure to havesufficient clearance betweenstreetcar overhead electric wires

and the vehicle, including anyload. If you are in any doubt aboutyour vehicle clearance, contactSDOTs commercial vehicle permits

and enforcement group.

If your vehicle has extendingcranes or other types of variableheight equipment, fully lower

equipment before driving nearstreetcar overhead electric wires.

Trucks and oversized vehicles
http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/trucksfeesandpermits.htmhttp://www.seattle.gov/transportation/trucksfeesandpermits.htmhttp://www.seattle.gov/transportation/trucksfeesandpermits.htmhttp://www.seattle.gov/transportation/trucksfeesandpermits.htm


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Riding the streetcarAt your stop:

Do not run across the street or

tracks to catch a streetcar.

Always cross the street at markedcrosswalks or intersections.

Stay clear of the platform edge

marked in yellowwhen thestreetcar arrives and departs. Donot stand in the yellow area.

Let people get off the streetcar first

before you get on.

People using wheelchairs orstrollers may access a loading rampby pressing a button outside the

streetcar.


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On the streetcar:

Use hand rails if you are standing onthe streetcar. It is easy to lose your

balance when the streetcar brakes oraccelerates.

People using wheelchairs or strollersmay exit via a loading ramp bypressing a button inside the streetcar.

Do not attempt to use the doorswhen the door-closing tone issounding.

Be mindful of priority seating areas for

people with disabilities and those lessable to stand.

Riding the streetcar


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Thanks!

http://www.seattle.gov/transportation
http://sdotblog.seattle.gov/http://www.flickr.com/photos/sdot_photos/https://twitter.com/seattledothttps://www.facebook.com/SeattleDOT

StreetcarSafetyInfo 2014-06-26

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