June 6th 2024.
As we all know, level crossing barriers play a crucial role in keeping pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists safe from passing trains. Unfortunately, this was not the case for one woman in Ireland who found herself in a terrifying situation when a barrier unexpectedly came down on her.
In a video that has recently been released, two women can be seen jogging across railway tracks just as the barriers start to close. It was clear that a train was rapidly approaching, and the women were initially relieved to have nearly made it to safety. However, one of them made a split-second decision to dart back in the direction she came, successfully ducking under the barrier just before it closed.
The other woman, on the other hand, thought she was in the clear after skillfully maneuvering around the barrier that was blocking one lane of traffic. She slowed down to a leisurely pace, only to be taken by surprise when the second barrier came down on her head, knocking her off her feet. Thankfully, she managed to roll out from underneath the barrier and avoid any serious injuries.
The footage, which was released by Iarnród Éireann (also known as Irish Rail), serves as a reminder for everyone to be extra vigilant when approaching level crossings. According to the rail operator, there have been 28 incidents or near misses recorded at level crossings in Ireland so far this year. Shockingly, 12 of these incidents resulted in human injury or damage to the crossings.
Tragically, level crossing accidents are not uncommon in Europe, with nearly 300 deaths occurring every year. This accounts for 1% of road deaths and almost a third of rail fatalities. With the summer season in full swing, there is a growing concern for an increase in incidents as more people visit the beach and cross these dangerous tracks to go swimming, sunbathing, or fishing.
Fortunately, there have been no level crossing deaths in Ireland in the last 14 years, and the country's rail operator is determined to keep it that way. Jim Meade, the chief executive of Iarnród Éireann, stated that the number of incidents at level crossings is still too high. He emphasized the importance of obeying the rules of the road at level crossings, as they are in place for everyone's safety.
The video released by Iarnród Éireann included various near misses, such as a cyclist colliding with a descending barrier and getting knocked off as they tried to duck under. Other alarming clips showed a cargo-laden lorry and a tractor carrying hay bales tearing through closing barriers. Perhaps the most frightening was the footage of a black car that became trapped on a rail crossing when the barriers ahead came down, only for the other side to also close when it tried to reverse.
To combat these dangerous incidents, Iarnród Éireann is taking steps to improve the safety of level crossings. They have already installed additional train detection warning systems at 55 user-operated level crossings, with three more to be commissioned in the coming weeks. These measures have been well-received by the communities they serve and are expected to make a significant impact in reducing accidents at level crossings.
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