Misconception 1. Raising the barrier can cross the paths. Traffic light – for cars
In reality. Traffic lights and sound signals from technical means “work” for both cars and pedestrians. It is impossible to cross a railway crossing at both a prohibition signal and a prohibition signal, regardless of the position of the barrier.
Misconception 2. The composition has just appeared on the horizon, you can easily “slip through” it
In reality. From the silhouette of a train appearing on the horizon, it is very difficult to understand how fast it is moving and what path it will follow (especially at dusk).
The composition, which follows at a speed of 100 km / h, overcomes 25-30 meters per second. And it takes at least 5-7 seconds for a person to cross paths that only seem to be an easily overcome obstacle. If he slipped, tripped – and more.
Trying to cross the tracks outside the pedestrian bridge (overpass, tunnel) is deadly. At the train station, where there is no tunnel or bridge, you can cross the tracks on the decks and in places marked with a “Crossing the tracks” sign.
The cyclist must dismount beforehand and overcome the transition, leading the bicycle to the side.
Misconception 3. A car can get stuck on the track, but a person can’t
In reality. If you cross the tracks in an unspecified place, you can put your foot in the switch at the time of the switch. At best, a crushed foot will have to be “collected” in the hospital for a long time, at the worst you can get under the wheels. It is by no means always possible to pull your foot out of the boot and escape in such a situation.
Misconception 4. Stationary cars are safe
In reality. No car is “just standing” – they are all in operation and could start moving at any moment. Therefore, it is impossible to approach a stationary car closer than 5-7 meters – it can knock it over or drag it under the wheels (if the clothes catch on something).
Since the mass of a passenger car reaches 60 tons, and an empty freight car – up to 22 tons, there is almost no chance of doing without serious injuries. So only movie heroes can get to the right platform quickly, crawling under standing cars or climbing over automatic clutches. For real people, this usually ends tragically.
Misconception 5. If you are between two oncoming trains, you should wait quietly for them to pass
In reality. This is another dangerous myth that came out of the cinema. In reality, trains running towards each other create an air current of great force, which can knock a person off his feet and even drag him under the wheels. Therefore, in such a dangerous situation, it is recommended to lie on the floor and cover your head with your hands, pressing your elbows. You can’t climb until the trains are over. In order not to get into such a dangerous situation, it is enough to cross the paths only in designated places.
Misconception 6. It is absolutely safe to walk along the tracks away from settlements.
In reality. A common mistake made by mushroom pickers and gardeners. The safe distance from the extreme rail is 5-7 meters, no less. Some selfie-takers try to capture their “walk” along the tracks. Under no circumstances should this be done. A train can appear at any time and from any direction, even on a seemingly predictable double-track track.
Important. In an emergency, when crossing tracks in an unspecified place, do not step on the rails (they can be slippery) and cross the track strictly at a right angle.
Misconception 7. The boundary line on the platform is designed to prevent people from falling off the platform.
In reality. And for that of course. But in addition, the boundary line indicates a safe distance from the moving train. It is extremely dangerous to cross it before the train (electric train) stops completely.
Misconception 8. The phone does not interfere with concentration
In reality. In 2019, Chinese scientists studied the behavior and reaction speed of pedestrians who actively use mobile phones and other gadgets while crossing the road. These people were twice as likely to be victims of traffic accidents than pedestrians without a phone.
When approaching a railroad crossing it is important to take off your hood, take your headphones out of your ears and put your cell phone in your pocket. No call can be more important than life.
Misconception 9. A scooter helps you catch the train
In reality. Moving across the platform on a scooter (skateboard, bicycle, etc.) puts the life and health of other people at risk – accidentally pushing, startling and becoming the culprit of a fall in another person’s way is easier than it looks. Or trip and fall off the platform yourself.
Do you know what your children are playing at the crosswalk?
Many children see the railway crossing and the station as an opportunity to play and show ‘courage’ to their friends. The job of parents is to talk about the possible tragic consequences and to teach them the right behavior on the track and in the environment.
- Teach children that playing outside on the platform must be stopped. Keep the kids close at hand.
- Do not let children sled down the ramp to the railway.
- The voltage in the wires reaches 30 thousand volts. Children should know that climbing on contact network supports, throwing objects on wires and supports can kill.
- A dangerous game is to put a coin on the track and see what happens to it after the train has passed. Children who are carried away by the game no longer look around and can easily get under the wheels.
- Some guys like to throw snowballs or rocks at the passing train. Explain that this can cause disaster.
- Tell them that for any damage to signs or other equipment (including graffiti), the family bears material and legal responsibility.
Many law-abiding drivers, who became pedestrians for a short time, behave rather frivolously when crossing railway lines. This is due to haste, exaggerated arrogance and basic ignorance of the principles of the railroad crossing.
