ProRail recently started a new campaign, the campaign is called: Nothing is more dangerous than the railway. This campaign aims to increase the awareness of young people about railway safety. Reports from bystanders and camera images show that many young people in particular do not realize how dangerous the track can be and that they therefore often exhibit dangerous behavior around the track. Compared to 2020, the number of near-collisions increased by 2021 percent in 10, and there were 206 near-collisions last year. This year, ProRail reported 153 near-collisions on the track and the year is not even over yet. These are serious numbers and ProRail is seriously concerned about this and is therefore starting the special campaign.
“Safety on and around the railways is a top priority for us as a sector. As ProRail, we take extensive measures together with transporters to make rail safer. For example, consider the removal of level crossings, continuous supervision and the installation of fences along the track. Nevertheless, we see an increase in the number of incidents and that has to do with behaviour. And that is why I think it is important to draw attention to this.”
Everyone is sometimes in a terrible hurry, but this should never be the reason to quickly pass under the descending barrier. Even if the train has passed and the barriers have not yet gone up, you will have to wait until the barriers are all the way up again, because another train can come from the other side. PRORAIL does everything it can to make the railway safer. For example, there are cameras in crucial places, level crossings are being cleaned up and replaced by tunnels, fences are being placed around stations and level crossings and they have developed a special teaching program to inform students about safety around the track.
“When we look at camera images, we are shocked if someone wants to cross the level crossing while the barriers are already closing. Or that road users think they can already pass under the railway barriers, while another train is coming from the other side. This behavior is life-threatening and has a major impact on drivers and bystanders, especially if it leads to a collision. Let's do everything we can to prevent this.”
Photo above: www.hollandfoto.net/ Shutterstock.com
