Network Rail’s dedicated community safety team will today hold a series of ‘Don’t Run the Risk’ awareness events at Britain’s most misused level crossings in support of a European level crossing day of action.

In Scotland, motorists at Ardrossan Harbour level crossing will be targeted by the Network Rail team, supported the British Transport Police, North Ayrshire Council and the rail industry regulator, the ORR.

The team will be handing out leaflets that spell out the chilling truth that taking a chance at a level crossing might be the last thing you do, and pose the question: ‘would it kill you to wait?’

The awareness day, which aims to combat level crossing misuse and highlight the dangers of ignoring warning signs and barriers has been organised jointly by road and rail sector organisations and government agencies across Europe and will see activities take place across 23 countries.

Over 600 people die at level crossings across Europe each year. Last year, 15 people lost their lives in Britain with more than 3,400 incidents of misuse. On average, more than three motorists a week were involved in a near miss, where a train narrowly avoided hitting them after ignoring warning signs or weaving round barriers. There were 20 collisions between trains and motor vehicles for those that didn’t beat the lights.

Whilst even one fatality is too many, the latest European fatality statistics (2008)* reveal that Germany, France, The Netherlands and Spain have all tragically seen higher levels than Britain.

European Country/Total number of persons killed by level-crossing accidents in 2008

Hungary 118
Germany 52
Czech Republic 43
Romania 42
Poland 40
France 38
Latvia 27
Austria 25
The Netherlands 18
Spain 17
Portugal 17
Slovakia 17
Great Britain 15

Network Rail's hard hitting level crossing safety campaign 'Don’t Run the Risk' is beginning to have an impact on people’s behaviour, according to research conducted for the company.

An online survey this spring found:

• Before the recent advertising campaign (November-February) 55% said they understood what not to do at level crossings, post the campaign this rose to 67%.
• 54% of people said that the advert had already influenced their behaviour at level crossings.
• 67% said that it would influence their behaviour at level crossings in the future.

Mark Henderson, Network Rail’s community safety manger for Scotland, said: "Level crossings are safe if used correctly, but time and time again we see people risking their lives by jumping the gates, swerving around barriers and ignoring warning signs. We’re out today where misuse is at its worst to try and hit home the message that running the risk at a level crossing is just not worth it. We're asking 'would it kill you to wait?'. We know sadly all too well, that for those that don’t, there can be tragic consequences."

"The impact we’ve had in driving recognition of the safety campaign with the recent bursts of activity has been phenomenal. We know that translating what people say they will do into real action will be the litmus test, but these results show us we are on the right track for helping to deliver. This, along with many other activities that the business is working on, will help to reduce level crossing incidents and needless injuries and deaths."

Chief Inspector Alex McGuire from the Scottish area of British Transport Police said:

“People must realise that there will only be one loser if crossings are not used the way they were designed. The statistics for accidents at level crossings make chilling reading and almost all are caused by motorist or pedestrian misuse. British Transport Police will be out in force across the country supporting Network Rail to ensure all users are aware of the dangers associated with level crossings and are educated of the proper procedures and adhere to them. However, we will also have no hesitation in prosecuting any offenders who think they can take a chance.”