We tried everything, but when it comes to safety that’s where the fun ends!
Crossing train tracks, crossing a closed level crossing, approaching the overhead lines – MEANS RISKING YOUR LIFE!
Train travel remains one of the safest means of transport. Nevertheless, the number of people who disregard obvious rules of safety is too high. Often the dangers of sharing pedestrian, road and rail space are overlooked and ignored.
Going around closed level crossing gates, crossing tracks or walking on the edge of platforms are risky practices that can cost lives and encourage others to make the same mistakes.
What’s the link between them and the CFL?
On average, the CFL counted 74 incidents per year (2016 and may 2022) at level crossings.
In 2021, 65 barriers were damaged by third parties at level crossings in Luxembourg. The result: material damage, delays, shocks, injuries or worse…
The braking distance of a train can be up to 1,200 metres.
The presence of a vehicle on the rails of a level crossing is not automatically signalled to CFL staff. So make sure you never stop on the tracks!
At level crossings, stop as soon as you see the bright red signals or hear the alarm sound.
Did you know that level crossing gates have break points? If you find yourself trapped on a level crossing, break the barriers with your vehicle to get out of danger.
Telephones connected directly to CFL staff are installed at level crossings. If problems occur, CFL teams can be reached via these telephones.
An accident is a shock for everyone involved and is an unforgettable tragedy that remains forever in the hearts of the loved ones.
#CFLSAFETYFIRST
An accident leads to costly repairs, delays and train cancellations. The consequences are manifold, be careful at level crossings!
#CFLSAFETYFIRST
The speed of a train can reach up to 140km/h and its braking distance of a train can be up to 1,200 metres.
#CFLSAFETYFIRST
Only a removed level crossing is a safe level crossing. On average, the CFL remove 2 level crossings per year.
#CFLSAFETYFIRST
31% of fatal collisions on European railways occur at level crossings. #CFLSAFETYFIRST
There are 1 – 2 incidents at level crossings per week due to non-compliance with traffic regulations.
#CFLSAFETYFIRST
Never cross a closed level crossing. A pedestrian crossing a closed level crossing risks a €3,000 fine.
#CFLSAFETYFIRST
If your vehicle is trapped between the barriers, continue driving at break the barriers with your car. The barriers are designed not to withstand such an impact. Quickly evacuate all people from the vehicle if the barrier cannot be broken through.
The duration increases considerably if a train stops between the point where the barrier release devices are located and the level crossing itself, e.g. a stop for passengers to leave or board the train.
For level crossings that are close to a station, the installation of induction loops is not always possible. This is due to the lack of distance between the level crossing and the induction loop announcing the arrival of the train. In this case, the operation of the barriers depends on the signal box or even the signal (entrance or exit) of the respective station.
The barriers close when a train passes the signalling device installed on the tracks. These are induction loops set up so that the barriers have enough time to close before the train reaches the level crossing. Activation of the warning devices triggers the flashing of the two red lights and the acoustic signal (gong or bell).
For level crossings located within a station, it is not always possible to set up announcement signals. In these cases, the level crossing is interdependent with the main signals. When a train route is created, the closure of the level crossing is initiated. The main signal is only set to drive when the closure of the barriers has been confirmed.
CFL staff guarding level crossings are not allowed to open the gates on their own initiative, even in case of urgent requests from motorists. Only when authorised by the train traffic controllers is this action permitted.
