Figures from Iarnród Éireann have revealed that there were 89 incidents at level crossings around the country in 2015 which resulted in a vehicle, person or property being struck by a train or barrier.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), Iarnród Éireann and the Commission for Railway Regulation (CRR) have today, launched a campaign to make road-users aware of the importance of safety at level crossings and the dangers of their misuse.

Of the 89 incidents, 61 involved vehicles and five involved pedestrians. 20 incidents were classified as Category 1, the most serious type, meaning the driver of the train had to apply the emergency break in order to avoid a more serious outcome. In one incident in Dublin, a lady pushing a pram was hit by the barrier as it closed, narrowly avoiding a more serious injury. In another incident, a pedestrian under the influence of alcohol was spotted on the tracks, having ignored the level crossing warning signs that a train was approaching.

There are 149 unattended level crossings on roads around the country, usually found on minor or private roads where there are relatively low levels of traffic.

Don Cunningham, Director, Iarnród Éireann Infrastructure said: "In one year alone, there were almost 90 'near misses' at level crossings around the country. These incidents could have had very serious consequences for the person involved, the train and its passengers, and other road-users. People simply should not take risks at level crossings. Unattended level crossings also pose a serious risk so it is important that road-users take responsibility for opening and closing the gates properly when passing through. If the gates are left open, another road-user might think that it is safe to cross without due care and the consequences could be very serious."


Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority said: ”It is vital that road-users treat level crossings with extreme caution, in particular those that are unattended. Trains are high-powered, high speed vehicles and in the event of a collision, the consequences for a car, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian could be catastrophic. This video provides simple steps for what to do when attempting to cross an unattended level crossing in order to ensure you and other road-users stay safe. The rule of thumb is to always expect a train. Failure to treat level crossings with due care and attention could have serious or fatal consequences."


Gerald Beesley, Commissioner, Commission for Railway Regulation said: "I strongly welcome any initiative that addresses the importance of safety at railway level crossings, where a near miss is only a step away from a serious injury. You should always expect a train. I urge you to act safely and use the Rail Cross Code, so that you and other level crossing users will arrive home safe."