Car crushed by train! A thought-provoking crash simulation. This year, 24 people have already died in accidents of this kind

The event was organized as part of the nationwide “Bezpieczny Przejazd” social campaign run by PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A.

PKP PLK: – The crash simulation was held to raise awareness of how important it is to follow the regulations—in other words, for road users at level crossings to listen to common sense. The key objective was to present drivers’ dangerous behaviors, along with their correct alternatives, that contribute to many accidents, as well as to show viewers how to react when a vehicle becomes immobilized on a crossing.

– PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A. has been running the “Bezpieczny Przejazd” social campaign since 2005. That is already 18 years of efforts to raise traffic participants’ awareness of safety. One way of educating drivers is through simulations of this kind, which directly demonstrate the consequences of failing to follow the regulations when crossing level crossings – said Arnold Bresch, Management Board member and director for investment implementation at PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A.M.

From June 1, 2018, to May 31, 2023, operators of the 112 emergency number received more than 27,500 reports concerning potential hazards at level crossings and on railway property. In 804 cases, train traffic on the railway line was halted and help was called באמצעות a dedicated communications channel. In 1,847 cases, trains’ speed was reduced to ensure the safety of passengers and people using the crossings.

Crushed car, a call to 112 and a broken gate

The climax of the event was a spectacular collision between a locomotive and an SUV. Although the locomotive was moving much more slowly than usual and had no carriages attached, the vehicle on the tracks was almost crushed. A demonstration rescue operation then began: firefighters cut the “passengers” out of the wrecked vehicle, while paramedics showed how to save the lives of accident victims.

– Any of us may become a rescuer, not necessarily because we want to, but because of the circumstances in which we find ourselves. Let us remember that the law requires us to help an injured person. Today, during the simulation, the emergency services showed us a model example of dealing with a train-car collision, but every road accident is different. It depends on many factors, including the location, the type of incident and the vehicles involved. Once we have ensured our own safety and properly secured the scene, we should call 112 and provide all the key information. For us paramedics, human life is the priority, so the more we know about an accident, the better we can prepare to help its victims. In the event of an accident at a level crossing, the Yellow PLK Sticker makes it easier to identify its location; it displays the crossing’s individual identification number—that is very helpful! – said Marcin “Borkoś” Borkowski, a paramedic.

In addition to the crash simulation, the organizers also demonstrated what to do when a vehicle gets stuck between the barriers. The first scenario concerned a car becoming immobilized on the tracks due to a vehicle malfunction. The role of the Yellow PLK Sticker in such situations is invaluable. Each sticker bears a nine-digit individual identification number for the crossing. This makes it possible to identify the exact location of the crossing or pedestrian crossing. This time, the stunt performers avoided tragedy and, by calling 112, alerted the appropriate services, which stopped the speeding train in time.

The second enactment demonstrated breaking through a barrier. Still too few drivers realize that even a small car, moving at low speed, can break through this type of barrier easily and safely.

The causes of accidents at level crossings have remained the same for years

Ignoring the stop sign and red lights, driving under descending barriers and weaving around closed half-barriers are the most common causes of tragedies. Statistics show that this notorious “quartet” of road users’ behaviors is responsible for most accidents at level crossings. In the first five months of 2023, 82 accidents and collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians occurred at level crossings and pedestrian crossings at track level; 24 people died and five were seriously injured.