New research released today reveals dangerous overconfidence is putting young adults’ lives at risk when using railway level crossings across Britain.
Even though eight in ten 18-34 year olds claim to understand the risks, the same number also fail to recognise key warning signs of an approaching train.
Furthermore, seven in ten young adults feel confident they could move out of the way in time if a train appeared while crossing, despite trains travelling up to five times faster than cars. Worryingly, almost all young adults surveyed – a staggering 98% – didn’t know it takes around a mile for a train travelling at 80mph to make an emergency stop.
The findings come as train operators, Network Rail and British Transport Police (BTP) join forces to launch No Second Chances – the first ever industry-wide level crossing safety campaign – following recent tragic incidents at level crossings. The campaign comes as the rail industry moves towards a unified Great British Railways.
The campaign – centred around a series of uncompromising 20‑second films – focuses on the deadly consequences of distraction at level crossings. It is aimed primarily at young adults who, in a survey* commissioned by Network Rail, were much more likely to admit to distracted behaviour while crossing, including:
- Chatting to others (28%).
- Using their phone (24%).
- Not removing headphones (26%) – twice as likely as for among those aged 55 and over (13%).
There are 6,000 level crossings in operation across the country, with various safety features based on their location and levels of use. These safety features include lowering full or half barriers to block access to the track, as well as audible sirens and flashing lights warning of an approaching train.
The rail industry is urging the public to stay safe when using level crossings by following the advice:
- Stop, look, and listen. Every crossing is different so always read the signs and follow the instructions.
Understand warning signs (lights, barriers, alarms) and obey them fully. Always follow instructions at each level crossing completely. - Check both ways before crossing. If there is a train coming, wait behind the barrier or marked line until it has passed. Remember there may be more than one train, and they may be coming from different directions.
- Cross quickly and safely. Make sure your exit route is clear and do not stop when crossing.
Priti Patel, chief health, safety ＆ wellbeing officer at Network Rail, said: “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 onto a level crossing without stopping to look and listen can be fatal – there are no second chances.
“That’s why the whole rail industry has come together to launch this first industry backed campaign, to raise awareness of the dangers of not paying attention when approaching a level crossing. It only takes a few seconds to stop, look and listen, that’s it – seconds that could save your life.”
Image credit: Network Rail
