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Between January and September 2008 there were more than 328 "near miss" train accidents involving misuse of level crossings across the UK. In total there were 2,636 incidents of level crossing misuse recorded, but the actual figure was likely to have been much higher.
During the nine month period of time there were 13 train accidents involving collisions between vehicles and trains, and a total of 12 people were killed.
In November 2008, as part of Network Rail Northwest's campaign to highlight the dangers of misusing level crossings, media relations manager Keith Lumley and his team handed out safety awareness leaflets at a crossing in Greater Manchester. Incredibly, whilst they did so, a motorist jumped the lights and a pedestrian who ignored warning lights and klaxons was almost struck by the level crossing barrier as it came down.
He said of the incidents, "It was absolutely unbelievable and astounding that people took such lethal risks while we were there to reinforce the safety message."
"It really goes to show just what we are up against."
Network Rail chief executive Iain Coucher said, "Level crossings are safe, but it is unsafe driver behaviour which causes tragic accidents and death. Every week, three motorists risk their lives and those of others by abusing level crossings, and our simple message to all is Don't run the risk'."
Many pedestrians and car drivers do not realise how quiet and fast modern trains can be. A train traveling at 125mph takes seven seconds to cover a quarter of a mile and although it might appear safe to cross the railway tracks, a train can suddenly appear and the victim may not have enough time to take evasive action.
In a collision situation it is often not only the car driver or pedestrian who is injured. A derailment can cause severe injury and even death to rail passengers and crew.
The 2008 "Don't run the risk!" safety campaign supported other Network Rail and rail industry initiatives to cut level crossing risks; including the development of a crossing replacement programme, new obstacle detection systems and better detection of crossing misuse. Work continued to educate young people in the dangers of railway trespass in conjunction with the police and Crown Prosecution Service
Train accident compensation from expert personal injury solicitors
If you have sustained injury in a train accident that was not your fault, YouClaim's friendly and knowledgeable advisors can tell you very quickly if you would be eligible to make a compensation claim. We will then arrange for an experienced and specialised personal injury solicitor to guide you through your claim.
Working on a no win, no fee basis our professionals work to strict and exacting standards laid down by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Our success rate is high and you are guaranteed to receive 100% compensation in the event of a successful claim.
Call our free UK helpline on 0800 10 757 95 or have an e-chat. If it's not convenient right now we can call you back, or you could give us a few details about your holiday injury claim by filling in our online claim form and we will call you to discuss your train accident injury further. Whichever way you choose to contact YouClaim you can be assured we will give you the best service available.
