Safety Initiatives and Innovations Mike York Greater Cleveland RTA DGM of Operations

RTA Overview Services Modes – 500 Buses – 102 Paratransit Vans – 20 Job Access Vans – 60 Heavy Rail Vehicles – 48 Light Rail Vehicles – 24 RTV’s – (BRT Vehicles)

Pedestrian Accidents YearTurning RightTurning Left Total1324

First Training video prepared regarding Left-Hand Turns Corrective Actions Task Force “Inattentional Blindness” training video “Watch For Peds” decals Left Turn Blitz “Second Glance, Second Chance” posters Turning Radar Checks Bus Visors redesigned Exterior left mirror rotated 180 degrees Audible Beeping Device Installed Prohibition of Cell Phone/Electronic Device Data Analysis/Action Verification Automated Pedestrian Alert System (A.P.A.S.) installed Safety Initiatives Time Line Ride Checks performed by Operations, Safety, and Training

Training: –Training video was created to demonstrate proper left-hand turns –Operator effectiveness was monitored by operations, training, and safety departments

Left-Hand Turn Training Video

2008 Training: May –Introduction of new Left-Hand Turn training module All operators trained Focused on operator “Inattentional Blindness” Stressed importance of waiting 2 seconds before making left-hand turn to view pedestrians

2008 (cont.) Awareness: September –“Watch for Peds” decal installed on every vehicle within visual range of the operator –“Second Glance, Second Chance” posters displayed at all districts –Cost of hitting pedestrian posters were displayed

2008 (cont.)

Awareness: October –Left-Hand Turn Blitz All operators received handouts, new instructions Left-Hand Turn information placed on operators’ paddles Performed informal coaching sessions

2008 (cont.) Enforcement: October –Radar checks conducted at various intersections –Left-Hand turn observations conducted Determined if an operator observed a person in the crosswalk

2009 Visor & Mirror Modification: January –Visors were retrofitted to provide enhanced visibility on NABI buses –Exterior left mirrors were rotated 180 degrees to improve the operator’s line of sight (agreed upon by Management and the Union)

2009 (cont.) Warning Devices: January –Turn Signals retrofitted with audible beeping to alert pedestrians –Strobe lights were installed above the left and right turn on the NABI and NOVA buses

2009 (cont.) Safety Culture: March –RTA Management – Safety stand- down –Blowing of horn (before turn) was added to turning procedure Safety Turning Procedures was distributed and mailed to operators –Management and Union distributed Passenger Safety Tips

Left-Hand Turn Accident Video

2009 (cont.) Safety Culture (cont): –Reflective tape installed on rear of the vehicles to warn motorists –Left-Hand turn observations continued –Strict prohibition of cell phone and electronic device use –All operators were retrained

2009 (cont.)

2010 Data Analysis/Corrective Actions: –Continuous Actions: Bus Observation and Ride checks Left-hand turn refresher Three month reminders Videos played in garage lounges, placed on RTA Intranet Safety bulletins in Payroll stuffers and on Paddle

2010 (cont.) Automated Pedestrian Alert System –Voice-activated alert device installed on all buses (federal stimulus funds used) –Cautions both the Operator and the Pedestrian

Automated Pedestrian Alert System (A.P.A.S.)

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