Safety events set to highlight level crossing dangers

Date: 7/5/2013

As many as 100 safety events are being staged by specialised teams in the UK to highlight the risks associated with level crossings.

The move has been prompted by an increase in the number of serious accidents in recent times, with nine people being killed at level crossings in the last year.

What's more, data from Network Rail shows that 453 pedestrians and motorists were involved in near misses and ten cars were struck by trains.

Reflecting on the recent rise in accidents, Network Rail Spokesman Martin Gallagher said: "Where a road or footpath meets the railway there will always be a risk. Tragically, for a few people every year, this results in injury or loss of life.

"We want to reduce the chances of this happening as much as possible."

To that end, Network Rail is investing £130 million in making level crossings safer by introducing a range of improvements, including adding new barriers and deploying new technology.

Posted by Sarah Bailey 

Transport Research News and Vehicle Safety News