JUST 24 hours after Network Rail relaunched its national ‘Don’t Run the Risk’ level crossing safety campaign, a motorist died in a collision with a train in Cumbria.

He was killed after his car was struck by the 09.27 Carlisle to Lancaster train on Wraysholme crossing between Kents Bank and Cark and Cartmel stations on Monday 3 November.

There were no injuries among the 32 passengers who had to be detrained following the accident, and initial investigations have revealed no fault with the operation of
the automatic open crossing, which is protected by flashing stoplights.

Network Rail had launched its new hard-hitting TV and radio campaign during the televised Brazillian Grand Prix the previous day, illustrating in graphic detail the tragic consequences when motorists and pedestrians misuse level crossings.

Even when Network Rail North West’s media relations manager Keith Lumley and his team were handing out campaign supporting leaflets at a crossing in Greater Manchester, a motorist jumped the lights and a pedestrian was almost hit by a descending barrier after ignoring warning lights and klaxons.

“It was absolutely unbelievable and astounding that people took such lethal risks while we were there to reinforce the safety message,” said Keith.

“It really goes to show just what we are up against.”

Network Rail chief executive Iain Coucher said: “Level crossings are safe, but it is unsafe driver behaviour which causes tragic accidents and death. Every week, three motorists risk their lives and those of others by abusing level crossings, and our simple message to all is ‘Don’t run the risk’.”

Between January and Sept-ember, 2,636 incidents of misuse of level crossings throughout the country were recorded, but the actual figure is far higher. Of nearly 900 incidents involving vehicles, 128 were categorised as ‘near misses’ – three each week – where collision with a train was narrowly avoided, while more than 200 near misses involved pedestrians.

Less fortunately, there were 13 collisions between vehicles and trains during this time, and a total of 12 people were killed. But the 7,600 crossings throughout the UK still have one of the lowest death tolls in the world.

The latest campaign supports other Network Rail and industry initiatives to cut crossing safety risks, including the development of a crossing replacement programme, new obstacle detection systems and better detection of crossings misuse.

Also, work is continuing to educate young people in the dangers of railway trespass, and with the police and Crown Prosecution Service to increase prosecution of offenders.

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