Tallinn tram driver receives suspended sentence for fatal accident
A 65-year-old tram driver named Larissa received a two-year suspended prison sentence after hitting and killing a man on Peterburi Road in Tallinn whilst watching a video on her phone.
Tallinn tram driver receives suspended sentence for fatal accident
According to Harju County Court, 65-year-old tram driver Larissa was sentenced to two years in prison with suspension following an incident in which she hit and killed a man on Tallinn's Peterburi Road last March, as reported by ERR News.
The accident occurred on 21 March 2025 at approximately 8:45 p.m. when the woman was operating the tram and simultaneously watching a video on her phone screen. The device was placed in a holder attached to the dashboard. The driver did not notice the man on the rails and struck him. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Internal camera footage shows that Larissa initially tried to hide her phone before then calling emergency services via the company's internal line. During the investigation and court proceedings, the woman claimed to have no memory of the incident but expressed sincere remorse.
The victim was wearing dark clothing and was not wearing a reflective vest. According to a witness who arrived at the scene, the location was poorly lit.
Harju County Court made its decision in late May. The sentence imposed was two years imprisonment, with execution suspended for a three-year probationary period. Additionally, the woman must pay approximately 3,400 euros in court costs. The decision was reached through a plea agreement process.
Rasmus Saks, head of transport services at Tallinn City Transport (TLT), expressed regret over the incident. He stated that drivers have been reminded of safety requirements, including a prohibition on using phones whilst driving. According to him, TLT is doing everything possible to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Source: ERR News