In 2021, Infrabel recorded 311 incidents at level crossings which led to 46 accidents, causing 9 deaths and 5 serious injuries. The company recalls the golden rules to avoid other tragedies.
Infrabel publishes this morning these figures for the year 2021 concerning level crossings. A total of 46 accidents took place in 2021, resulting in 9 deaths and 5 serious injuries. These numbers are up from 2020, where Covid travel restrictions played their part, but stable from 2019.
A reflex to take: call 112
In its report, the transport company wishes to recall a golden rule when a concern at a level crossing arises: it is necessary to call the emergency services as soon as possible to avoid an incident.
The latest example to date, on December 10 in Lede in East Flanders, a lady got stuck with her vehicle at a level crossing. Well-meaning passers-by try, in vain, to get the car out of the lanes. However, precious time passes, the train arrives, and despite the driver’s emergency braking, the collision does take place. Infrabel specifies that if the passers-by or the driver had first thought of calling 112 before acting, the collision could have been avoided.
3 important tips to follow
In the event of an incident at a level crossing, Infrabel recommends following these three rules to the letter to avoid an accident.
1. Put safety first
2. Warn the emergency services in order to stop train traffic
3. Locate yourself by communicating the information indicated on the level crossing post
In the coming days, this message of caution will be widely repeated through campaigns on social networks and through letters sent to municipalities and emergency services.
Infrabel also points out that non-compliance with the highway code (lights, barriers, etc.) remains the main cause of accidents at level crossings (approximately 5 accidents out of 10). Recklessness, just like in the case of Lede, is also an important factor (4 out of 10 accidents). The weather conditions are, for their part, a negligible reason for the number of accidents.
In addition to human tragedies, incidents at level crossings also cause many disruptions. Last year, Infrabel recorded 311 incidents which, together, caused an average of 1 hour 18 minutes of delay per day, a figure however lower than in previous years.