One of the key safety features is the Yellow Sticker PLK, which can save a life in an emergency.

What is the Yellow Sticker and where can it be found?

The Yellow Sticker PLK is a special marking placed on the inner side of the St. Andrew’s cross and on the barrier mechanisms at every railway crossing. It contains three key pieces of information:

  1. The crossing’s individual identification number,
  2. Emergency numbers 112 and the railway services’ numbers,
  3. A contact number for technical services.

Thanks to this information, a driver who finds themselves in a dangerous situation—for example, gets stuck on the tracks—can quickly call for help and provide the exact location of the incident.

View photo: Presentation of the Yellow Sticker at a meeting with driving instructors in Bolesławiec View photo: Meeting with driving instructors in Bolesławiec View photo: Meeting with preschool children from Bolesławiec as part of the Safe Crossing initiative

How should a barrier be broken through if necessary?

When a vehicle becomes trapped between lowered barriers, immediate action is necessary. The barriers have a breakaway safety mechanism that allows them to be forced through without causing significant damage to the vehicle. It is enough to apply a small amount of force to break the barrier and leave the crossing.

The “Safe Crossing” campaign—education for everyone

The meeting in Bolesławiec was part of the nationwide “Safe Crossing” campaign, whose aim is to raise awareness among road users. Driving instructors play a key role in educating future drivers, which is why special workshops have been organised for them for years. The campaign also includes activities aimed at children and young people—as part of the initiative, safety ambassadors visit kindergartens and schools, teaching the youngest children how to cross railway crossings correctly.

Statistics and a warning for drivers

There are nearly 1,000 railway crossings in Lower Silesia. In 2024, there were 7 accidents there, one of which ended tragically. Ninety-nine percent of incidents result from driver errors, such as ignoring stop signs, entering a crossing while the barriers are being lowered, or going around half-barriers. Every road user must remember that a moment of inattention can cost a life.

More information about the “Safe Crossing” campaign can be found on the website www.bezpieczny-przejazd.pl.