Within the framework of the “Second UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030”, the International Union of Railways (UIC) and the International Road Federation (IRF), worldwide associations for rail and road, respectively, along with Operation Lifesaver Estonia (OLE), have decided to once again join forces to raise awareness of level crossing safety amongst pedestrians, cyclists and people with reduced mobility and thus contribute to the reduction of collisions and related casualties.
ILCAD will focus this year’s messaging on vulnerable people with the slogan: “ Don’t put your life at risk, stay away from tracks! ”
All over the world, regardless of the country or culture, the railway sector faces the same problems at level crossings and around tracks. The vast majority of collisions at level crossings are caused by users who deliberately take risks or make bad decisions by mistake, out of habit or when distracted.
This is why, on the occasion of the 14th International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) on 9 June 2022, UIC, IRF and OLE have jointly developed three additional dedicated safety flyers in English, French and Spanish for pedestrians, cyclists and users of micro mobility devices and people with reduced mobility.
To note
- In recent years, one person per day has been killed and almost one seriously injured on average at level crossings (source: SAFER LC project).
- Almost 98% of collisions at level crossings are due to failure to comply with traffic laws.
- Over 90% of significant railway accidents globally are caused by third parties, of which 76% are trespassers and 13% are level crossing users (source: UIC safety report).
