PD CEN/TR 17420:2020 - Railway Applications: Vehicle End Design for Trams and Light Rail Vehicles with Respect to Pedestrian Safety

In the ever-evolving world of urban transportation, safety remains a paramount concern. The PD CEN/TR 17420:2020 standard is a crucial document that addresses the design of vehicle ends for trams and light rail vehicles, with a specific focus on pedestrian safety. Released on January 23, 2020, this standard is an essential resource for engineers, designers, and safety experts involved in the development and operation of urban rail systems.

Key Features of the Standard

• Standard Number: PD CEN/TR 17420:2020
• Pages: 34
• Release Date: January 23, 2020
• ISBN: 978 0 580 89048 2
• Status: Standard

Comprehensive Guidance for Enhanced Safety

This standard provides comprehensive guidance on the design considerations necessary to enhance pedestrian safety in urban environments where trams and light rail vehicles operate. It outlines the critical aspects of vehicle end design that can mitigate risks and reduce the likelihood of accidents involving pedestrians.

Why Pedestrian Safety Matters

As cities grow and public transportation systems expand, the interaction between vehicles and pedestrians becomes increasingly complex. Ensuring the safety of pedestrians is not only a moral obligation but also a legal requirement in many jurisdictions. The PD CEN/TR 17420:2020 standard serves as a vital tool in achieving these safety goals by providing a framework for designing vehicle ends that minimize harm in the event of a collision.

Design Considerations

The standard delves into various design considerations that are crucial for pedestrian safety, including:

• Impact Absorption: Techniques and materials that can absorb impact energy to reduce injury severity.
• Visibility: Design elements that enhance the visibility of trams and light rail vehicles to pedestrians, especially in low-light conditions.
• Shape and Structure: The importance of rounded edges and smooth surfaces to prevent severe injuries.
• Warning Systems: Integration of auditory and visual warning systems to alert pedestrians of approaching vehicles.

Benefits of Implementing the Standard

Adopting the guidelines set forth in the PD CEN/TR 17420:2020 standard offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Safety: By following the standard, manufacturers and operators can significantly reduce the risk of pedestrian injuries and fatalities.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures that vehicle designs meet or exceed local and international safety regulations.
• Public Confidence: Demonstrates a commitment to safety, which can enhance public trust and encourage the use of public transportation.
• Innovation: Encourages the development of new technologies and materials that can further improve safety outcomes.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The PD CEN/TR 17420:2020 standard is an invaluable resource for a wide range of professionals, including:

• Vehicle Designers: Engineers and designers involved in the creation of trams and light rail vehicles.
• Safety Engineers: Professionals responsible for assessing and mitigating safety risks in urban transportation systems.
• Regulatory Authorities: Government bodies and agencies tasked with setting and enforcing transportation safety standards.
• Urban Planners: Individuals involved in the planning and development of urban infrastructure and transportation networks.

Conclusion

The PD CEN/TR 17420:2020 standard is a critical document for anyone involved in the design, manufacture, or regulation of trams and light rail vehicles. By focusing on pedestrian safety, this standard not only helps to protect vulnerable road users but also supports the development of safer, more efficient urban transportation systems. With its detailed guidance and comprehensive approach, the PD CEN/TR 17420:2020 standard is an essential tool for advancing safety in the rapidly evolving world of urban rail transport.

PD CEN/TR 17420:2020

This standard PD CEN/TR 17420:2020 Railway applications. Vehicle end design for trams and light rail vehicles with respect to pedestrian safety is classified in these ICS categories:

• 45.060.10 Tractive stock
• 45.140 Metro, tram and light rail equipment

This technical report is applicable to tram vehicles according to EN 17343 ¹. Tram-Train vehicles, on track machines, infrastructure inspection vehicles and road-rail machines according to EN 17343¹ and demountable machines/machinery are not in the scope of this technical report.

This technical report describes passive safety measures to reduce the consequences of collisions with pedestrians. These measures provide the last means of protection when all other possibilities of preventing an accident have failed, i.e.

• design recommendations for the vehicle front to minimize the impact effect on a pedestrian when hit,

• design recommendations for the vehicle front end for side (lateral) deflections in order to minimize the risk of being drawn under the vehicle on flat ground (embedded track),

• design recommendations for the vehicle body underframe to not aggravate injuries to a pedestrian/body lying on the ground,

• recommendations to prevent the pedestrian from being over-run by the leading wheels of the vehicle.

The following measures to actively improve safety are not in the scope of this technical report:

• colour of front;

• additional position lights;

• additional cameras;

• driver assistance systems;

• additional acoustic warning devices, etc.;

• view of the driver / mirrors;

• consequences for pedestrian injuries due to secondary impact with infrastructure (side posts, concrete ground, poles, trees, etc.).

The recommendations of this technical report only apply to new vehicles.