Footage has been released showing some of the near-misses on level crossings.
Images feature distracted pedestrians jumping out of the way of incoming trains, a teenager staring at their phone while slowly crossing railway lines, and a pram-pushing couple walking over a level crossing despite blaring safety barrier alarms.
Network Rail has released the compilation of CCTV footage which shows people “putting [their] lives at risk” at footpath level crossings at locations in Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey.
Six incidents included in the excerpt involve “distracted” people, which are just a few of the 1,574 reported near-misses across the railway network over the past four years.
In one clip, a teenager walks a few steps over the level crossing before jumping back as he does not notice an incoming train.
Another video captures a father looking at his phone as he crosses the railway lines with his two young children.
Footage also shows a teenager strolling over a crossing and even stopping in the middle of it while staring at his phone.
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A pram-pushing couple can be seen running over a level crossing, despite safety alarms blaring and barriers descending.
In another incident, a cyclist hurries across the tracks as he spots an oncoming train. At the same crossing, two youngsters can be seen escaping at the last second before a train speeds through their path.
A spokesperson for the rail network operator said the footage highlights the risk of losing focus at level crossings as a survey it commissioned found 47% of respondents in the South East admitted making a mistake while using their phones.
“The research also found a concerning lack of caution around level crossings, with over a third of people from the South East (35%) admitting they are more careful when crossing roads – even at zebra or traffic light crossings – compared to level crossings,” the spokesman said.
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Lucy Ruck, who lost her leg in a level crossing incident when she was 17, said: “The consequences of a split-second decision can be life-altering.
“Remember, no appointment or destination is worth risking your life for. Always look carefully and never assume it’s safe to cross. It’s better to be late in this world, than early in the next,” Ms Ruck, now 47, added.
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Thomas Desmond, operations director at Network Rail, said: “Level crossings demand your full attention, yet complacency and distraction are putting lives at risk, contributing to hundreds of dangerous near-misses annually.
“Whether it’s glancing at a phone or simply assuming the track is clear, these lapses in concentration can be fatal.
“We urge everyone to stop, look, listen and obey the signals every single time. Waiting a few minutes is infinitely better than risking everything.”
