A study commissioned by Network Rail shows that young adults in the UK seriously underestimate the danger at level crossings, even though the majority say they understand the risks. The research shows that seven out of ten young people aged 18 to 34 believe they could get out of the way in time if a train approached while they were crossing, and 98% do not know how long it takes for a train to stop in an emergency.
The data was released alongside the launch of the “No Second Chances” campaign, the first industry-wide initiative across the British rail sector dedicated to level crossing safety.
Too much confidence, too little understanding of the risk
According to the study, although eight out of ten young adults say they understand the dangers at level crossings, just as many fail to recognize the essential signs warning of an approaching train.
At the same time, seven in ten say they are confident they could get out of the way in time if a train appeared while they were crossing. Network Rail, however, points out that trains can travel at speeds up to five times faster than cars, and this sense of control is false and dangerous.
Furthermore, nearly all respondents in this age group—98%—did not know that a train traveling at 80 mph (approximately 129 km/h) needs about 1.6 kilometers to come to a stop in an emergency.
Phones, Headphones, and Distractions
The campaign is aimed specifically at young adults, who have proven more likely to engage in risky or distracting behaviors when crossing railroad tracks.
According to the survey, among those aged 18 to 34: When it comes to using headphones, the percentage is twice as high as among people 55 and older, where the reported rate is 13%.
- 28% say they cross while talking to other people;
- 24% use their phone;
- 26% do not remove their headphones.
6,000 level crossings in the UK
In the UK there are currently approximately 6,000 level crossings, equipped with various safety features depending on their location and usage intensity, such as: The British rail industry says that, despite these measures, some incidents continue to be caused by inattention or ignoring warnings.
- full or half-barriers;
- light signals;
- sirens and audible alarms.
An industry-wide campaign
The new “No Second Chances” campaign was launched by the rail operators, Network Rail and British Transport Police, following a series of recent tragic incidents at level crossings.
The central message is simple: “stop, look, and listen”. The rail industry is asking everyone who uses level crossings:
- to pay attention to signs, lights, barriers, and alarms;
- to check in both directions;
- not to stop on the crossing;
- and to ensure the exit route is clear before crossing.
Trains cannot stop instantly
Officials quoted in the campaign emphasize one thing that, while seemingly obvious, is often ignored: a train cannot stop instantly. Linda Wain, Director of Engineering and Safety at the operator LNER, pointed out that the company’s trains travel at speeds of up to 125 mph (approximately 201 km/h), which means they cover 100 meters in less than two seconds.
That is precisely why the industry says that a moment of inattention at a level crossing can have catastrophic consequences.
Share on: 
