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Road traffic collision specialists, speaking in reference to learner driver theory, feel that more emphasis needs to be placed on the dangers of railway level crossings. The subject has recently been broached by rail bosses, who are of the opinion that motorists need to know how to use level crossings properly. It is felt that greater knowledge when it comes to level crossings would result in lives being saved. Deborah Johnson, who as well as being a trustee of BRAKE (a road safety charity), is a specialist when it comes to fatal road traffic collisions, feels that the notion should be made a reality: without fail.
This comes as no surprise, what with Deborah being in possession of some frightening statistics, which serve to illustrate just how bad the level crossing situation in the UK is. More than 3000 barrier dodging/racing incidents occurred in the UK last year, which resulted in thirteen losses of life.
As well as these fatal collisions, no fewer than 140 near misses were reported, and there are upwards of three such incidents each and every week. The lack of regard that a certain faction of motorists have when it comes to level crossings must be addressed. It is felt by Deborah, and others in her field, that the earlier a driver realises the dangers involved with level crossings, the better.
Of course, tackling the problem through creating awareness during the learning process – before a driver even gets behind the wheel – is a sure way of emphasising just how dangerous a level crossing can be. Using 'Don't Run The Risk', and 'Would It Kill You To Wait', Network Rail are doing their bit to raise awareness through television and radio adverts.
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