PEOPLE in the West Midlands have a dangerous overconfidence surrounding the risks when using railway level crossings.
Network rail said a survey revealed over eight in ten say they are confident they know the dangers – but only three per cent actually understand how long it takes an approaching 80mph train to stop.
And 14 per cent don’t consider removing headphones when at a level crossing.
The findings come as Network Rail, British Transport Police (BTP) and the wider rail community came together to launch the first industry-wide level crossing campaign to raise awareness of the dangers around level crossings – called No Second Chances.
No Second Chances – primarily aimed at 18-34-year-olds through a series of three uncompromising 20-second films – raises awareness of the dangers of not using a level crossing properly and the consequences of being distracted.
Distraction is a common risk at level crossings, particularly among adults aged 18 to 34, who are more likely to admit to behaviours that reduce awareness of their surroundings.
The No Second Chances campaign marks a new joined-up way of working for the rail sector on safety communications, ahead of the establishment of Great British Railways (GBR).
The survey revealed 63 per cent of residents feel confident they could move out of the way in time if a train appeared while they were crossing.
But 96 per cent don’t realise that it takes approximately one mile for a train travelling at 80mph to come to a complete emergency stop – and that’s not the fastest a train can travel on the network.
Anthony Bonell, level crossing manager for Network Rail Central route, said: “Across the West Midlands and beyond, level crossings are part of everyday journeys – to work, to school, and out with friends. But it only takes one missed warning or one moment of distraction for things to go wrong, because trains can be on you far quicker than you think and they need a long distance to come to a stop.
“We’re hoping the newly launched No Second Chances campaign helps those messages cut through. When you reach a crossing, slow down, give it your full attention, and make sure you’ve clearly checked it’s safe before you step or drive onto the crossing.
“Waiting a few extra seconds is always better than taking a risk.”
Chief Inspector Joseph Gorman, British Transport Police, said: “Everyone, pedestrians and drivers alike, should pay extra care and attention to level crossings as the consequences for any misuse can 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 or 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 our Network Rail partners, we will always seek to prosecute serious offences to deter misuse. Please think wisely as you approach level crossings, be patient, and don’t take any risks.”
There are around 6,000 level crossings in operation across the country, and each is different depending on its surroundings and usage.
These include crossings which range from footpaths requiring users to stop, look and listen for approaching trains before deciding if it safe to cross, through to those with full barriers, audible alarms, and road traffic light signals on public roads.
Across the West Midlands and surrounding areas, there were 217 level crossing incidents recorded in the last 12 months, including 13 classed as ‘near misses’.
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