Yesterday (the 6th of June), was International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD). This day is a worldwide initiative to improve awareness of level crossing safety, and the dangers that can occur with misuse of them. In Britain, there are around 500 near misses reported at level crossings each year.
In recognition with this initiative, Network Rail’s latest safety campaign, ‘Distracted', highlights the dangers of misuse at level crossings. Network Rail states, “It’s easy to unintentionally enter a level crossing when you’re not paying attention. You could be looking at your phone, lost in music, engrossed in a podcast, or chatting with your friends and before you know it, you’ve crossed the line.”
It is so important that we use Level Crossings correctly. Pedestrians must:
Concentrate – it’s easy to get distracted, especially by phones, music and conversation.
Stop, look and listen. Follow signs and instructions.
Check both ways before crossing – if there is a train coming, don’t cross.
Understand the warnings (lights, barriers, alarms).
Cross quickly, keeping children close and dogs on a lead.
KITE Projects are pleased to play our role in the safety of the railway, by providing the KITE Safe Cross, a bespoke system engineered to increase the safety of level crossings. The genius of this product is that pedestrians and dog walkers can get a proper sighting of the track at the decision point, which is crucial for their safety.
By ensuring that we remain extra vigilant around railway crossings, you are increasing the safety of yourself and your family, helping to achieve Network Rail’s goal to get ‘Everyone Home Safe Everyday’.