Monday 30 Nov 2009
NETWORK RAIL ASKS LICHFIELD ‘WOULD IT KILL YOU TO WAIT?’
- Region & Route:
Following a reduction in misuse, Network Rail is targeting a pedestrian level crossing at Burton Old Road in Lichfield on Wednesday 2 December to warn residents of the dangers of ignoring warning signs and lights at footpath level crossings and continue to keep the community safe.
Terry Hawkins, community safety manager, Network Rail, said: “The Burton Old Road footpath crossing in Lichfield is well used and links residential areas with shops and other amenities. Jumping the gates and ignoring warning signs was sadly a sight we used to see at this crossing, but happily these have stopped. We want to keep it this way. Level crossings are safe, but if misused, they all pose very real risks. We’re driving home the message that running the risk at a level crossing is just not worth it. By trying to save a few seconds, you could end up losing your life.”
The awareness event forms part of Network Rail’s ongoing Don’t Run the Risk campaign, which aims to educate members of the public about the dangers of level crossing misuse. It was organised by Network Rail’s dedicated community safety team, in partnership with the British Transport Police (BTP).
Throughout the day the team will monitor the crossing and speak to cyclists and pedestrians about misuse and offer advice and information on how to stay safe on the railway. Leaflets will also be handed out 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?’.
Chris Rowley, area general manger, Network Rail said:
"We’ve all been in situations where we want to save a few seconds but my message is simple - are they really worth risking your life for? I am asking everyone to think about what could happen if they misuse crossings - and then think again."
Nationally, the figure for near misses at level crossings equates to three motorists per week. In total, nine people have not been so lucky, with their vehicles smashing into trains. Seven people lost their lives at level crossings during this time. Tragically five more people have lost their lives in September, bringing the year’s total so far to 12.
A spokesperson from the BTP added:
"People must realise that there will only be one loser if crossings are not used in 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 support 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.”
Notes to editors
National level crossing statistics (January to August 2009)
- 7 fatalities (5 more in September 2009. Last year 15 in total)
- 9 collisions between motor vehicles and trains (last year 20 total)
- 182 pedestrians narrowly avoided being hit by a train (last year 280 total)
- 104 motorists narrowly avoided a collision – around 4 per week. Higher than last year which was averaging 3 per week.
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 by Millward Brown.
An online survey this spring found:
Before the recent advertising campaign (November 2008-February 2009) 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.
In June this year, a 29-year old businessman faced the tough consequences of his actions when he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving after he was caught swerving around the barriers at Horsham Road level crossing as they were closing. The motorist was charged with dangerous driving and was ordered to pay a fine of £1,265, £500 prosecution costs, or in default to serve 45 days imprisonment. The driver was also disqualified from driving for 18 months and ordered to take an extended driving test.
Last year, over 55 days of delays to trains and passengers were caused by level crossing misuse, costing Network Rail around £1.8million – money that could have been invested in the railway. The real cost to the industry far exceeds this, as it does not include actual damage to trains or tracks or staffing time and cost.
FACTS ABOUT LEVEL CROSSINGS - Level crossings are safe if used correctly - 95% of accidents at level crossings are caused by misuse or error– i.e. drivers ignoring red signals, barriers and klaxons - There are over 7,600 level crossings both on public and private land that cut across the UK railway network.
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