Younger adults aged between 18 and 34 are putting themselves at risk when using level crossings, according to the results of a survey released by Network Rail today.
Eight out of 10 of those who responded claimed to know what they are doing when they need to cross a line, but at the same time it appears that ignorance is bliss.
Distraction is the greatest danger. This includes talking to companions (28 per cent), wearing headphones (26 per cent) and using a mobile (24 per cent).
Another trap for the unwary is a belief that they could avoid an approaching train, although it could be moving at 200km/h (125mph) – twice as fast as a car – while nearly all the respondents did not realise that a train’s braking power is limited. Only 2 per cent knew that a train travelling at 120km/h (80mph) needs some 1500m (about a mile) to make an emergency stop, even when the rails are dry. Wet or icy weather, as well as the often-derided leaves on the line, increase the stopping distance.
Network Rail and British Transport Police have launched an industry-wide crossing safety campaign called No Second Chances.
The campaign consists of a series of hard-hitting 20-second films which emphasise the deadly consequences of distraction.
In spite of efforts to reduce their number there are still 6,000 level crossings on Network Rail infrastructure. Those remaining are mostly a legacy from the Victorian era, when trains were slower and noisier, and the Rail Safety and Standards Board describes the crossings as ‘a significant safety concern’.
Although many have full or half-width lifting barriers, there are many ‘open’ crossings, often on footpaths rather than roads, and these open crossings rely on the watchfulness of users.
Network Rail has also published many images of people deliberately misusing crossings by stopping on the track to take photographs of themselves, or even sitting on a rail, while CCTV has also recorded instances of people trying to climb over the barriers or dodging around them.
The launch of the new safety campaign has been welcomed by rail minister Lord Hendy. He said: ‘Safety on our railway is paramount and I’d urge everyone to follow this campaign’s important message and always pay attention at level crossings.
‘I’m pleased to see the industry join forces for this campaign, particularly as we work to bring track and train together under Great British Railways.’
Priti Patel is chief health, safety and wellbeing officer at Network Rail. She warned: ‘We know how easy it is to get distracted, whether that’s listening to a favourite podcast, looking at your phone or just taking familiar surroundings for granted. But stepping on to a level crossing without stopping to look and listen can be fatal – there are no second chances.’
Crossings are a problem in other countries as well. One German poster showed a motorcyclist about to zig-zag around a half barrier. The caption was simple: ‘His last mistake?’
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