In the early days of the Horse Trams  the bends and curves were instrumental in many accidents.  The tracks themselves were often without substantial foundations causing settlement.

The corner of Tatham Street was believed to be a  "blackspot " for collisions and derailments. In one incident in August 1883 car number 28 came off the tracks and ended up in the doorway of Messrs. Maddison, furniture dealers.

Children, who would play in the street would be particularly  vulnerable. Not used to fast traffic and unaware of the great dangers that the trams brought, they would hang onto the rails as they passed  or would be simply " ran over " due the drivers view being obscured.

By 1890, fatal accidents had been reduced simply by the fitting of guards protecting pedestrians from going under the wheels.

The horses themselves were subject to injury as well. It was said that members of the public had reason to complain when, unfortunately , some of the horses were overworked and were worked when unfit.  Horses could be frightened by noises and several were injured in the derailments or collisions.

In 1900 Electric Trams were introduced.