Young people in Kent warned to be careful around level crossings
New studies show many unaware of the risks posed by fast-moving trains
Network Rail have renewed a plea ahead of this weekend's bank holiday for young people across Kent and the South East to be careful when near level crossings.
A new survey, commissioned by Network Rail, has exposed a dangerous overconfidence among young adults at railway level crossings, prompting an industry-wide campaign to raise awareness.
A striking seven in ten 18 to 34-year-olds believe they could move in time if a train approached while crossing - despite the fact that trains travel much faster than cars.
Alarmingly, 98% of respondents are unaware that it takes around a mile for a train moving at 80mph to stop in an emergency.
Talking to us this week, Paul Langley, Head of Security, Crime and Resilience at Network Rail who covers Kent said:
"As we approach what could be a nice weather weekend, with a bank holiday, it's really timely that we get this message out now. Just so that we can try and keep people safe because that's our ultimate aim, isn't it?
"We want people to use the railway safely and not become distracted at level crossings, because as I stated, these are some of the more dangerous parts of the railway where people interact with trains.
"Many many young people think they understand the risk.
"They think they can get out the way of trains, but crucially as much as 70% of them fail to recognize the warning signs.
"They don't actually understand the the warning signs that are in place and and the way that they should take they should navigate a crossing.
"I think the important thing is to stop, look and listen, to understand the warning signs and to follow those instructions.
"And most importantly check both ways, cross quickly and safely but don't become distracted.
"It's worth you taking that that minute beforehand to make sure that everything is safe."