'No Second Chances': Industry-wide Campaign Targets Railway Crossing Dangers

New figures show people in the North West have a dangerous overconfidence surrounding the risks when using railway level crossings.

Nearly eight in ten (79%) surveyed are confident they know the dangers – but only 4% actually understand how long it takes an approaching 80mph train to stop.

More than one in five (21%) don’t consider removing headphones when at a level crossing, while 14% admit to rushing and a quarter (25%) chat with others while crossing.

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

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.

Distraction is a common risk at level crossings, particularly among adults aged 18 to 34, who are more likely to admit to behaviours that reduce awareness of their surroundings.

Fifty-eight percent of Manchester residents feel confident they could move out of the way in time if a train appeared while they were crossing.

But 96% don't realise that it takes approximately one mile for a train travelling at 80mph to come to a complete emergency stop – and that’s not the fastest a train can travel on the network.

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).

Simon Butterworth, Network Rail head of health, safety and environment for the North West, said: “Being distracted by what’s on your phone or listening to your favourite music takes your eyes and ears off the risk when crossing the railway. One mistake and the result can be fatal; there are no second chances at all. Crossing the railway is not like crossing a road. A train can be travelling 100mph or more. It cannot swerve to avoid you and it cannot stop.

"The whole rail industry is now joining together 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. Don’t be tempted to rush – those seconds really could save your life.”

Daniel Mann, Rail Delivery Group director of industry operations, said: “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.”