Especially now, before trips during the long May weekend, when traffic on the roads will be heavier, railway workers and officers of the Railway Protection Guard are drawing attention, among other things, to the fact that it is always the red, flashing light that prohibits crossing to the other side of the tracks. Until the signal is switched on, every road user is required to stop before the crossing.
Only when the light goes out may you continue driving and cross to the other side. Unfortunately, as statistics and railway cameras show, this rule is not always followed by pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Today, the Safety Ambassadors are speaking out: “Don’t stop your pulse – stop before the flashing light.”
Violations detected and recorded by monitoring cameras at crossings are forwarded to the relevant services and may result in a fine for a reckless driver. There are currently 2,300 monitored crossings on Poland’s railway network. Since the beginning of the year, Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A., in connection with drivers’ violations, has forwarded more than 150 reports to the authorities.
How to cross safely – 5 ironclad rules
- As you approach a crossing, slow down and exercise particular caution;
- Always stop before a STOP sign or flashing red light;
- When the barriers have closed or are even just lowering, never try to go around them. Wait until they are raised again and the signal goes out – only then continue driving;
- Do not enter the tracks if you cannot leave them on the other side;
If you are in danger at a crossing or witness a dangerous situation, use the PLK Yellow Sticker;
Look for the PLK Yellow Sticker – it may save your life
While crossing railway-road crossings, it is worth looking out for bright yellow stickers. They are located on the inside of the St. Andrew’s cross or on the barrier mechanisms on the track side. This is because if a car gets stuck on the tracks or between the barriers, the driver will quickly see the sticker and be able to use it. Check for it during your journey – in an emergency, it can be invaluable.
The yellow stickers display three numbers:
- The crossing’s individual identification number (intersection number);
- Emergency number 112;
- The number for PLK technical services.
In an emergency, if you call 112 and provide the crossing number, the operator will immediately determine exactly where you are. The PLK signaler will then be able to stop the train or instruct the driver to slow down. In this way, you can save your own life or someone else’s!
If you witness a malfunction, call the number for PLK S.A. services. They will be able to respond quickly if, for example, a barrier is broken or damaged, vegetation is obstructing visibility or the crossing signs, or the road signs at the crossing have been vandalized or turned around.
Remember, if necessary, you can always break through the barrier. If you are on the crossing and the barriers have closed, do not wait: break through the barrier, clear the tracks and contact the services using the PLK Yellow Sticker.
More information about the “Safe Crossing” public awareness campaign and the activities carried out במסגרת it can be found at bezpieczny-przejazd.pl