Network Rail and British Transport Police have released the results of a new survey which suggests that almost three out of five people don’t know that electrified railways can be lethal.
The survey reported that 59 per cent of those questioned did not know what the third rail is for, while 38 per cent don’t believe that electrocution from conductor rails can cause serious injuries – or worse.
A campaign has been launched today, as the spring and summer holidays approach. Lighter evenings are associated with a 20 per cent increase in trespassing.
A new series of films called ‘Stay off the Tracks’ has been produced as part of the ‘You vs Train’ campaign, which emphasises the dangers on railways, and the potentially catastrophic effects of taking a risk on them.
The films feature first responders collaborating with professionals from the film industry to recreate the sights, sounds and effects they have encountered when dealing with critical injuries caused by coming into contact with the 750V DC conductor rail.
Nicole Lee is the NHS Burns Network Manager for the London and South East and features in the campaign. She explains that: ‘As a burns nurse, I've witnessed the severe consequences of third rail injuries. The high voltage can cause profound burns, leading to long-term physical and emotional suffering. It's distressing to see individuals endure injuries that could have been easily prevented by staying off the tracks. These injuries not only affect the victims but also have a lasting impact on their families and friends.’
The survey also revealed 41 per cent of people believe it is safe to walk on the line if no trains are coming, and 40 per cent think it is safe to pick something off the track as long as they do not touch a rail, while a third of younger people aged between 18 and 44 admit they would take a short cut across the line. Network Rail said the findings were ‘underscoring the urgent need to educate the public further on railway safety’.
Conductor rails are mainly found south and west of London and also on the Merseyrail network, while London Underground lines have two conductor rails, which are just as dangerous.
Overhead lines carrying 25,000 volts are used on railways in many parts of the country, from South Wales to East Anglia, the South East, the Midlands, Northern England and Scotland.
The overhead is even more dangerous than conductor rails, because it is not necessary to touch the wire to get a fatal shock. The voltage is so high that the current can arc through the air for a metre or more – and the range of the arc increases in damp conditions.
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