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Republic of Korea: National awareness campaign hits 400 locations |
KORAIL, operators of the national rail system, has mounted a nation-wide Rail Safety & Level Crossing Awareness Campaign”. Action involving some 4,000 volunteer saw awareness-building at more than 400 sites. This initiative was a partnership between rail authorities, non-governmental organisations and the police.
(April 30th, 2010) |
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Kroonstad, South Africa: Long grass implicated in collision |
A farmer was taken to hospital as a result of a collision on a level crossing between Kroonstad and Koppies. The farmer had stopped at the level crossing only to find that he couldn’t see whether a train was approaching the crossing that he used regularly because the veldt grass was too high. Fortunately, the farmer edged forward rather than drive across with the result that the front end of his light truck was clipped rather than a worse outcome. |
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Nonetheless the farmer was taken to hospital where he underwent an operation. It is understood that this accident happened on April 21st, 2010.
(April 22nd, 2010) |
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Mangalore, India: Agreement to banish delays of several hours |
The railway administration has agreed to the principle of a grade separated alternative to the Jeppu Mahakalipadpu level crossing, Mangalore as has the City Council. The next steps are to agree whether a road-over-rail or rail-over-road solution is the preferred means of achieving grade separation. In the past there have been plans to construct a highway underpass. However, this proposal never saw light of day |
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Currently the Jeppu Mahakalipadpu level crossing has a reputation for indeterminable delays with some reports suggesting that it can take several hours to cross. Although this is an extreme delay, it is well argued that the impact of the repeated operation of the level crossing impacts on citizens and businesses alike.
(April 20th, 2010) |
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Takasago, Japan: Crossing closed 40 minutes in an hour hinders development |
The level crossing adjacent to the Takasago railway station, Takasago City, Hyogo Prefecture, is widely regarded as a barrier to economic activity and development. The problem is that the pattern of train services results in the level crossing being closed to road traffic for up to 40 minutes in the hour at peak travel times. In addition the extended closure times have caused far too many pedestrians to risk their lives because they are not prepared to wait. |
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Now, municipal authorities, working with the community, are promoting short and longer time actions to improve the situation with the eventual goal of grade separation achieved by reconstructing the railway so that it runs above street level.
(April 16th, 2010) |
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Takamatsu, Japan: Escape training for motorists |
An unusual angle in campaigning to improve motorist behaviours at level crossings is the exercise in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, which teaches motorists what they must do if they are trapped on a level crossing. The message is simple, get out of the car and press the alarm button. The exercise is seen as necessary because of the number of people who are still unaware of the alrm function fitted at many protected level crossings.
(April 16th, 2010) |
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Taung, South Africa: More than go and get help message needed |
A public plea to “seek help” isn’t all that is needed to address the risks associated with those who want to end their lives on the railway. Rather, there needs to be work from within the railway in partnership with health professionals and other agencies to better understand the issues that lead people to take their lives on the railway.
This need to do more is highlighted by a failed intentional death attempt on a level crossing in Taung, North West Province which seriously injured the man concerned. This prompted a call from North West MEC for Public Safety, Howard Yawa to members of the public who are experiencing challenges in their lives to seek professional assistance and counselling and not to use the public transport system and public roads to end their lives. There is clearly a case for action rather than just words.
(April 5th, 2010) |
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Kadugannawa, Sri Lanka: Public protest follows removal of barrier |
Residents of Kadugannawa blocked the railway on April 2nd, 2010 when they demonstrated against the removal of an unauthorised level crossing barrier. The barrier had been erected following a recent accident which seriously injured five people when the van in which they were travelling was hit by a train. This was not a lone event as there had previously been at least ten accidents at this unprotected level crossing. Interestingly railway officials have said that they were not aware of the reasons for the removal of the barrier.
(April 5th, 2010) |
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