Survey reveals young adults in Brighton underestimate power and speed of trains – risking their lives on level crossings

Network Rail has issued the following press release after research found overconfidence is putting lives at risk when using railway level crossings in and around Brighton.

• Seven out of ten 18-34 year olds believe they could get out of the way if a train approached
• 98% of these young adults are unaware how long trains take to stop in an emergency
• Survey marks start of No Second Chances campaign - featuring a series of hard‑hitting films - which focuses on the deadly risks of distraction when approaching the railway.

New research released today reveals dangerous overconfidence is putting young adults’ lives at risk when using railway level crossings across Britain.

Even though eight in ten 18-34 year olds claim to understand the risks, the same number also fail to recognise key warning signs of an approaching train.

Furthermore, seven in ten young adults feel confident they could move out of the way in time if a train appeared while crossing, despite trains travelling up to five times faster than cars. Worryingly, almost all young adults surveyed - a staggering 98% - didn’t know it takes around a mile for a train travelling at 80mph to make an emergency stop.

The findings come as train operators Southern and Thameslink, Network Rail and British Transport Police (BTP) join forces to launch No Second Chances - the first ever industry-wide level crossing safety campaign - following recent tragic incidents at level crossings. The campaign comes as the rail industry moves towards a unified Great British Railways.

The campaign - centred around a series of uncompromising 20‑second films - focuses on the deadly consequences of distraction at level crossings. It is aimed primarily at young adults who, in a survey* commissioned by Network Rail, were much more likely to admit to distracted behaviour while crossing, including:

• Chatting to others (28%)
• Using their phone (24%)
• Not removing headphones (26%) – twice as likely as for among those aged 55 and over (13%).

Brighton residents overconfident at level crossings

94% of people in Brighton don’t know that a train takes about a mile to come to a complete stop at 80mph, while seven in 10 (69%) believe that they could avoid an oncoming train if it appeared while they were crossing.

The respondents also admitted being distracted by the following while crossing:

• Talking to others (22%)
• Using their phone (19%)
• Keeping their headphones on (19%)

Keeping safe at Level Crossings

There are 216 level crossings in operation across the Sussex route, with various safety features based on their location and levels of use. These safety features include lowering full or half barriers to block access to the track, as well as audible sirens and flashing lights warning of an approaching train.

The rail industry is urging the public to stay safe when using level crossings by following the advice:

• Stop, look, and listen. Every crossing is different so always read the signs and follow the instructions.
• Understand warning signs (lights, barriers, alarms) and obey them fully. Always follow instructions at each level crossing completely.
• Check both ways before crossing. If there is a train coming, wait behind the barrier or marked line until it has passed. Remember there may be more than one train, and they may be coming from different directions.
• Cross quickly and safely. Make sure your exit route is clear and do not stop when crossing.

Samantha Facey, Safety, Health and Security Director for Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express, said: “Railway tracks are a very, very dangerous place to be. Our trains travel faster than cars on motorways and take up to a mile to stop in an emergency. Keep your wits about you on level crossings, and please don't use phones or headphones when crossing to ensure you stay safe and alive.”

Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:

“Safety on our railway is paramount and I’d urge everyone to follow this campaign’s important message and always pay attention at level crossings.

“I’m pleased to see the industry join forces for this campaign, particularly as we work to bring track and train together under Great British Railways, which will put passengers at the heart of Britain’s railway again to deliver the services they deserve.”

Priti Patel, Chief Health, Safety ＆ Wellbeing Officer at Network Rail, added:

“We know how easy it is to get distracted, whether that’s listening to a favourite podcast, looking at your phone or just taking familiar surroundings for granted. But stepping onto a level crossing without stopping to look and listen can be fatal – there are no second chances.

“That’s why the whole rail industry has come together to launch this first industry‑backed campaign, 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, that’s it – seconds that could save your life.”

Chief Inspector Joseph Gorman, of BTP, said:

“It’s vital that pedestrians and drivers pay extra care and attention at level crossings, as the consequences for misusing them can easily be catastrophic. You might think you’re simply saving some time, but if you miss or deliberately ignore the warning signs then you could be placing yourself and others in incredibly serious danger, and that is never worth it.

“We respond to incidents at level crossings every month, and through patrols, CCTV, and close work with Network Rail, we will always seek to prosecute those who misuse them. Please think wisely as you approach level crossings - be patient, and don’t take any risks.”

ENDS