Collision briefly prevented: Inadequate railway barriers endangered driver!

Collision briefly prevented: Inadequate railway barriers endangered driver!

A dramatic incident near Chemnitz almost led to a tragic accident. A damaged level crossing in Bobritzsch-Hilbersdorf and a driving error ensured a dangerous Situation on the route between Chemnitz and Dresden. Radiochemnitz reports that a truck driver collided with a rail barrier on Thursday. The result: trains had to reduce their speed and sometimes even stop. Deutsche Bahn was forced to regulate traffic via the emergency control center and issued clear instructions to the train drivers: only continue if there is no car and whistle.

Unfortunately, a driver ignored these instructions and crossed the level crossing while a car just passed the rails. The driver of the car barely escaped a collision and suffered a shock. In the meantime, the Federal Police Inspection Chemnitz has started investigations and is looking for witnesses. These can report on 0371/4615-0.

accident risks at level crossings

Such incidents are not an isolated case. Deutsche Bahn plans to further reduce the number of level crossings because they are classified as dangerous. According to a study of accident research by insurers (UDV), many accidents at level crossings are more due to human behavior than to technical problems. The UDV stated that 84% of accidents are caused by the overrunged transitions by overrun red light. According to the findings, 42% of the drivers often try to turn them around, which is associated with considerable risks, according to the findings.

Every year, around 50 road users lose their lives at such transitions, and around 250 are seriously injured. A continuous analysis has shown that two thirds of the accidents, the personal injury are causing, on transitions with traffic lights or barriers. Full barriers represent the safest type of fuse, while semi-barriers have a 49x higher risk of accidents.

measures for security

Security at level crossings could be improved by various measures. This includes the conversion of level crossings into over or underpasses, the installation of full barriers, which, however, have longer closing times, as well as the equipment inconspicuous transitions with light signal systems. In addition, it is recommended to sensitize drivers to the risks at such transitions.

The latest events underline how important it is to increase safety at level crossings and avoid accidents. Everyone can contribute to this by observing the traffic rules at level crossings and is aware of the risks. In times when more and more trains are used in local transport, it is crucial that all road users are careful.

For more information about the causes of accidents and prevention at level crossings, you can use the detailed analysis on Reading.