New rail campaign highlights the dangers of being distracted at level crossings

The rail industry campaign – called No Second Chances – aims to highlight the dangers people can face at level crossings if they are distracted by, for instance, mobile phones or headphones.

Young people in particular are being urged to keep an eye on their surroundings and to be aware that trains cannot stop quickly.

Recent research found that nearly eight in ten 18-34-year-olds across Yorkshire and the Humber are confident they know level crossing risks – but only four per cent know how long it takes a train to stop.

More than one in five don’t bother removing headphones when at a level crossing, while 11 per cent admit to rushing and nearly a quarter chat with others while crossing.

The research reveals a dangerous overconfidence when it comes to level crossings.

The findings come as Network Rail, British Transport Police (BTP) and the wider rail community come together to launch the first industry-wide No Second Chances level crossing campaign to raise awareness of the dangers.

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.

Fifty-five percent of Yorkshire and the Humber residents aged 18 to 34 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.

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).

Martin Clews, Network Rail head of route safety, health and environment, said: “We know how easy it is to get distracted, whether that’s listening to a favourite podcast, looking at your phone or just taking for granted familiar surroundings. But stepping onto a level crossing without stopping to look and listen can be fatal.

“When it’s you versus a train, there are no second chances.

“That’s why, as we move towards the creation of Great British Railways, 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, added: “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 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.”

Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, added: “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.”

Network Rail says that people using level crossings should:

• Always read the signs and follow instructions, and obey lights, alarms, and barriers.
• Stop, look and listen every time you cross and avoid distraction.
• Check both directions before crossing. If there is a train coming, do not cross and wait until all tracks are clear. Remember there may be more than one train – another train could be hidden from view by a passing train.
• Never stop on a level crossing. Cross quickly and safely.
• Only cross when all tracks are clear, and where provided, lights and audible warnings are not active.