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Friday 24 Apr 2026

Survey reveals young adults underestimate power and speed of trains – risking their lives on level crossings

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National

• Seven out of ten 18-34 year olds believe they could get out of the way if a train approached
• 98% of these young adults are unaware how long trains take to stop in an emergency
• Survey marks start of No Second Chances campaign - featuring a series of hard‑hitting films - which focuses on the deadly risks of distraction when approaching the railway

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.

Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, 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, which will put passengers at the heart of Britain’s railway again to deliver the services they deserve.”

Priti Patel, Chief Health, Safety ＆ Wellbeing Officer at Network Rail, added: “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.”

Daniel Mann, Director of Industry Operations at Rail Delivery Group, who represent train operators, said: “Level crossings demand our full attention every single time. This campaign is a powerful reminder of why level crossing safety is so important and how a momentary lapse in judgment can have devastating consequences. 

“Safety is our top priority and as Great British Railways moves closer to becoming a reality, the rail industry is working together to reinforce a clear and consistent message to stop, look and listen when using level crossings, so that everyone makes it home safely.” 

Chief Inspector Joseph Gorman, of BTP, said: “It’s vital that pedestrians and drivers pay extra care and attention at level crossings, as the consequences for misusing them can easily be catastrophic. You might think you’re simply saving some time, but if you miss or deliberately ignore the warning signs then you could be placing yourself and others in incredibly serious danger, and that is never worth it.

“We respond to incidents at level crossings every month, and through patrols, CCTV, and close work with Network Rail, we will always seek to prosecute those who misuse them. Please think wisely as you approach level crossings - be patient, and don’t take any risks.”

Linda Wain, Engineering and Safety Director at train operator LNER, who helped launch the new campaign on behalf of the industry at a stakeholder event earlier this week, added: "It's incredibly important to be aware of your surroundings at level-crossings. Our trains travel up to 125 miles per hour, meaning they cover 100 metres in less than two seconds, so stopping immediately is impossible. That’s why the 'No Second Chances' campaign is so important. By stopping, looking and listening at level crossings, we can protect lives and spare people from the devastation of preventable incidents."