Tram Driver on Trial for Sleep Apnea-Linked Accident
A 47-year-old tram driver in Stuttgart is on trial for a serious accident that occurred on February 23, 2024. The incident, one of the worst in the city's tram history, left 17 people injured, including a 26-year-old woman with severe, permanent disabilities. The driver is accused of reckless bodily harm and dangerous interference with rail traffic.
The accident happened when the driver, suffering from sleep apnea, fell asleep at the wheel and collided with a stationary tram. The condition, which causes breathing pauses during sleep, prevented her from getting adequate rest. Despite knowing about her condition and receiving advice from doctors, the driver did not use her diagnostic device sufficiently. The prosecution argues that the driver's sleep disorder was foreseeable and preventable, and that she should have recognized her inability to drive safely.
The collision resulted in severe injuries to the driver and the 26-year-old passenger, who required resuscitation. The accident caused millions of dollars in damage, highlighting the need for stricter safety measures among public transport operators.
The trial, more than a year and a half after the incident, aims to determine the driver's responsibility in the accident. The outcome will have significant implications for safety regulations in public transport, particularly for those with medical conditions that could affect their ability to operate vehicles safely.
