The “Safe Crossing – Barriers Against Risk!” campaign is currently under way. The Railway Protection Guard and the police are involved. Officers are checking how drivers and pedestrians cross rail-road intersections and reminding them about safety.
– We remind everyone that a stop sign requires an absolute stop before the crossing; red lights warning of an approaching train must not be ignored, and weaving between barriers is the shortest route to tragedy. Common sense and following the rules are a guarantee of safe journeys, not only during the holidays – says Marek Olkiewicz, deputy president of PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A.
More than 20,000 leaflets were distributed to drivers. SOK and police officers warned 655 drivers and pedestrians about improper conduct. A total of 157 sobriety checks were carried out, while 327 people – those who particularly egregiously violated safety rules – were fined. PLK also appeal to drivers on social media, with videos and competitions. In addition, safety rules are presented in workshops for driver training centres, as well as on monitors at stations and on trains.
“Safe Crossing…”, or Barriers Against Risk!
The social campaign “Safe Crossing – Barriers Against Risk!” has been running for twelve years. Its importance is demonstrated by the patronages it receives. This year’s, thirteenth edition is held under the patronage of the Minister of Infrastructure and Construction and the President of the Office of Rail Transport. It is supported by carriers and non-governmental organisations. The campaign aims to limit negative behaviour at rail-road crossings. Poland’s “Safe Crossing...” campaign is one of the largest in Europe.
Campaign in figures (January–June 2017):
- 296 educational lectures on railway safety
- 128 leaflet and preventive actions at crossings/crosswalks (including 98 as part of the “Safe Friday” project)
- 45 outdoor events
- 41,000 recipients of the information campaign with tips for pedestrians and drivers on Facebook
- 3 workshops for Driver Training Centres on safety rules in railway areas
- 5 simulations of a locomotive colliding with a car
- the “Get on Track for Safety” competition promoting safety in railway areas
- a knowledge quiz promoting safety in railway areas on social media
- a spot campaign on LCD screens in post offices
- a campaign carried out in cooperation with the MaturaToBzdura.tv programme
- 417,000 views of the MaturaToBzdura.tv programme episode about safety
- 11 railway carriers involved in the leaflet campaign on trains
- 86,000 leaflets distributed among train passengers
- 27,000 guidebooks with tips distributed among pedestrians and drivers
- 504,000 views of a film about a driver’s improper behaviour at a crossing.