Survivor of horror smash on Sheffield tram tracks demands safety improvements

Dave Greasley says he was lucky to survive the horror smash at Manor Top on what he says is a notoriously dangerous corner and believes safety improvements are urgently needed before someone is seriously injured.

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The 33-year-old graphic designer was driving in heavy rain on Friday, August 28, when the terrifying crash happened as he turned onto City Road from Ridgeway Road while heading towards the city centre from his home in Norton.

He claimed the anti-slip concrete had ‘completely disintegrated’ at the accident blackspot.

“I was just coming round the bend, where you have to cross the tram tracks, when the steering wheel span to the left,” said the father-of-two.

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"I tried to correct it but my car went into a rolling spin. It must have rolled around three times before it came to a stop and I was able to crawl out through the windscreen.

“I wasn’t drunk, I wasn’t speeding, I was just incredibly unlucky.

“The staff from St Luke’s charity shop, who were so helpful, told me they'd seen the same accident at that same corner at least a dozen times.

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“It’s a really dangerous spot, especially with the grip that should be either side of the slippery tracks having completely disintegrated, and something needs to be done about it before someone dies.”

Mr Greasley remarkably emerged from the wreckage with only scrapes and bruises, though his Land Rover was written off.

Councillor Mark Jones, Sheffield Council’s cabinet member for environment, street scene and climate change, said: “We are not aware of any current safety concerns at this specific location and it is not deemed to be an area of concern.

“Drivers should always take extra care when travelling over tram tracks, particularly in wet conditions. Signs are visible at this location, as well as numerous others in the city, reminding people that tram rails can become slippery when wet.

“The surface material surrounding tram tracks is subject to regular safety checks by Amey as part of the Streets Ahead programme.”