With yesterday being designated World Day of Road Safety at level crossings, the CFL held an event at noon yesterday marking this occasion, at the PN17 crossing in Walferdange.
30% of fatal accidents on European rail networks occur at level crossings, which explains the importance of safe behaviour at these points of contact between the rail and road traffic.
Since 2009, the railway community, in collaboration with a growing number of road sector agencies, have organised in over 42 countries around the world a global awareness day at level crossings (International Level Crossing Awareness Day) under the slogan "Act Safely at level crossings" or "At crossings, priority to life".
In 99% of cases, accidents at level crossings are due to a failure to respect the rules of the Highway Code. The reasons of misconduct are multiple: distraction, haste, fatigue, alcohol or drugs ...
From 2006 to 2014, Luxembourg, trains collided in eleven cases with cars, trucks and tractors. Four people lost their lives as a result of a traffic accident on a crossing.
In 2014, the CFL have recorded 65 cases of damaged or broken arm barriers. On average 40-50 barriers arms are damaged or broken by year, representing all risk situations.
Motorists ignoring level crossing signals risks a fine up to €145; pedestrians ignoring such warnings can be fined up to €3,000.
Photo (L-R): Marc Wengler, Directeur Général des CFL; Paul Hammelmann, Président de la Sécurité Routière; Thierry Fehr, Directeur de l’Unité Centrale de la Police de la Route
