A level crossing is an interface between road and rail infrastructure. According to the “1968 UNECE Convention on Road Traffic and the Highway Code”, trains have priority, while road users, pedestrians, and cyclists must comply with road signs and signals in order to cross safely and prevent collisions from arising due to misuse or inappropriate behaviour, potentially endangering their lives and those of train passengers, crew and other users.
Within the framework of the “Second UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030”, the International Union of Railways (UIC) and the International Road Federation (IRF), worldwide associations for rail and road, respectively, along with Operation Lifesaver Estonia (OLE), have decided to once again join forces to raise awareness on level crossing safety amongst pedestrians, cyclists and people with reduced mobility and thus contribute to the reduction of collisions and related casualties.
All over the world, regardless of the country or culture, the railway sector faces the same problems at level crossings and around tracks. The vast majority of collisions at level crossings are caused by users who deliberately take risks or make bad decisions by mistake, out of habit, or when distracted.
This is why, on the occasion of the 14th International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) on 9 June 2022, UIC, IRF and OLE have jointly developed three additional dedicated safety flyers in English, French and Spanish for pedestrians, cyclists, and users of micro-mobility devices and people with reduced mobility.
For more information, please contact the International Road Federation at info@irfnet.ch.
About IRF
The International Road Federation (IRF) is a global, independent, not-for-profit organisation with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Active since 1948, IRF is a membership-based organisation, representing leading corporate and institutional players drawn from the road and mobility sectors worldwide. Its mission is to promote the development of roads and road networks that enable access and sustainable mobility for all. Its approach is centred on key strategic components of knowledge transfer & information sharing, connecting people, businesses, and organisations, and working on policy & advocacy.
About UIC
The International Union of Railways (UIC) is a global not-for-profit association founded in 1922 and based in Paris representing the railway sector and promoting rail transport. ILCAD is part of the UIC centenary programme of major events.
About OLE
Operation Lifesaver Estonia (OLE) is an international, non-profit education and awareness programme dedicated to ending tragic collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and on railroad rights of way. To accomplish its mission, Operation Lifesaver promotes the 3 Es: Education, Enforcement and Engineering.