Collision narrowly averted: Defective railway barrier endangers drivers!

Collision narrowly averted: Defective railway barrier endangers drivers!

A dramatic incident near Chemnitz almost led to a tragic accident. A damaged level crossing in Bobritzsch-Hilbersdorf and a driving error caused a dangerous situation on the route between Chemnitz and Dresden. Radiochemnitz reports that a truck driver collided with a railway 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 gave clear instructions to the train drivers: only continue driving if no car is coming and blow the whistle first.

Unfortunately, a train driver ignored these instructions and crossed the level crossing while a car was passing over the tracks. The driver of the car narrowly avoided a collision and suffered a shock. The Chemnitz Federal Police Inspectorate has now started an investigation and is looking for witnesses. They can call 0371/4615-0.

Risk of accidents at railway crossings

Such incidents are not isolated. Deutsche Bahn plans to further reduce the number of level crossings because they are classified as dangerous. According to a study by insurers' accident research (UDV), many accidents at level crossings are due to human behavior rather than technical problems. The UDV found that 84% of accidents at unrestricted crossings are caused by running red lights. According to the findings, 42% of drivers often try to go around crossings with half-barriers, which is associated with considerable risks.

Every year around 50 road users lose their lives at such crossings and around 250 are seriously injured. A thorough analysis has shown that two thirds of accidents that result in personal injuries occur at crossings with traffic lights or barriers. Full barriers are the safest form of security, while half barriers have a 49 times higher risk of accidents.

Security measures

Safety at level crossings could be improved through various measures. These include converting level crossings into overpasses or underpasses, installing full barriers, which, however, result in longer closing times, and equipping inconspicuous crossings with traffic lights. It is also recommended that drivers be made aware of the risks at such crossings.

Recent events underline the importance of increasing safety at level crossings and preventing accidents. Everyone can do their part by observing traffic rules at level crossings and being aware of the risks. In times when more and more trains are being used in local transport, it is crucial that all road users pay attention.

For more information about the causes and prevention of accidents at level crossings, you can view the detailed analysis Mirror read.