Whether on a train, a bus, a coach... your personal injury solicitors Preston will advise that there is a duty of care owed to you when travelling on public transport, to ensure you can travel safely, without injury. 

 

Unfortunately, this was not the case for Bethan Roper, whom tragically died on 1st December 2018, on the Great Western Railway. Miss Roper was leaning out of a window on a train door, travelling at 85mph, when she was struck and killed by a tree branch. 

 

Following investigation from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), there was a yellow caution label above the door which read ‘do not lean out of window when train is moving’, albeit in place, this was found to be in a cluttered environment and amongst other information labels. 

 

So, the question is then, what signage is sufficient in informing, and deterring passengers, from carrying out certain activities? This question has also been identified by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch who have announced that their full investigation will look closely at the measures in place to control the risks from people leaning out of trains, as well as looking at potential threats from vegetation, as Miss Roper was subject to. This does, however, have to be looked at in conjunction with protecting the environment. This has previously been brought to light by Rail Minister, Andrew Jones, who asked Network Rail to set out a plan that would do more to protect biodiversity during tree felling.