The number of drivers who were involved in near misses with trains at level crossings increased by an astonishing 15% over the course of 2010, according to CCTV footage released by Network Rail. The trend has been revealed as the company attempts to disuade people from driving dangerously on the tracks and suffering potentially fatal consequences.
There were 3,446 recorded incidents of misuse at level crossings across Britain last year, although it is thought the true figure is much higher. However, despite the number of near misses rising, there were fewer collisions with trains. The number of collisions halved fro 14 to 7 between 2009 and 2010, with the number of deaths dropping from 13 to 4.
Network Rail's director of operations and customer service Robin Gisby said "Too many motorists continue to break the law by jumping the lights or swerving around barriers at level crossings. Hundreds of pedestrians are also risking their lives just trying to save a few seconds – it’s just not worth it. Whilst deaths and injuries are thankfully few, these actions by those who are either impatient or ignorant of the law cause great cost, delay and disruption to both rail and road passengers across Britain."