USA scores highest in level crossing deaths

Motorist gets trapped under barrier at Yapton level crossing, West Sussex

As fans across the world are praying their team wins through in South Africa, a different sort of league table of countries involved in the World Cup, published today, shows a tragic tally of fatalities of those killed at railway level crossings.

45 countries are today coordinating awareness raising activities as part of International Level Crossing Day of Action. Hundreds of people are killed globally every year, after taking chances by running red lights, swerving barriers or ignoring warning signs.

* Figures supplied by the International Union of Railways who coordinate the ‘action day’. Not all 45 countries figures available

In Britain, Network Rail and the British Transport Police have organised awareness days at more than a dozen locations across the country, where community safety managers and police officers will be on hand to give advice and warn motorists and pedestrians of the dangers of misusing crossings.

Martin Gallagher, Network Rail’s head of community safety said: “We have a good safety record in comparison to many other countries but even one death is one too many. Jumping the lights and ignoring warning signs is sadly a sight we see all too often. Level crossings are safe, but if misused, they all pose very real risks.

“Today’s international action day gives us another opportunity to drive 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 seriously hurt or losing your life.”

British Transport Police chief superintendent Chief Superintendent Eamonn Carroll said: “BTP, in partnership with Network Rail, has made advances in influencing driver behaviour and making them aware of the dangers associated with risking lives at level crossings. Our officers will be deployed at crossings across the country today in order to reinforce that message.”