Safety teams spell out danger of level crossings (From Free Press Series)

Safety teams spell out danger of level crossings

1:51pm Friday 3rd July 2009

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RAIL SAFETY teams have spelled out the dangers of level crossings at some of the network's most misused sites.

The "danger" crossings visited by a Network Rail (NR) team included ones in Greater Manchester, Leicestershire and the West Midlands.

Called Don't Run the Risk, the awareness events were in support of a European level crossing day of action.

Fifteen people lost their lives in level crossings incidents in Britain last year and there were more than 3,400 incidents of misuse.

However, the figures from the International Union of Railways which co-ordinated the day of action, showed that Britain was one of the safer European nations, with Hungary having the worst record, with 118 level-crossing deaths last year.

Germany had 52 deaths last year, France 38 and Spain and Portugal 17 each.

NR community safety head Martin Gallagher 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."

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