A SEATON tram driver leapt to safety as a truck crashed into his vehicle yesterday (Monday)
A SEATON tram driver leapt to safety as a truck crashed into his vehicle yesterday (Monday)Sixty-seven year old Michael Kay dived when a truck driver failed to stop at the level crossing in Colyford, hitting the tram and causing damage to both vehicles and the track.Mr Kay has been compared to James Bond for his agility and his comment that he was left "shaken but not stirred". He has also asked for an ejector seat be installed in his tram.He said: "I was concerned when I saw the lorry heading towards me. The first thing on my mind was whether there were passengers on board. Fortunately there weren't and I was going extremely slowly."I knew I couldn't avoid the lorry so I stopped the tram and jumped out fairly quickly."Safety is the most important aspect of our job and our training is among the highest in the country. "We've had a couple of close incidents because drivers come round at such a speed. No matter what you're driving you have to be alert 24/7 and beware if you see a red light as it's a warning."This time I thought I might be going to the tram depot in the sky. It was a lucky escape."Operations director of Seaton Tramway Colin Brown said: "We're sending him off to the Olympics for diving like that. He had a cup of tea and got on with his work.
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