UIC and Réseau Ferré de France (RFF) are hosting the 4th edition of the International Level Crossing Awareness Day in Paris this year. The event will be an opportunity for the 42 participating countries to remind the public of the rules for the safe use of level crossings and to fight together against risky behaviour.

Addressing risky behaviour

98% of accidents at level crossings in France occur due to failure to respect the highway code and in particular due to excessive speed when approaching level crossings, roads with severe bends (chicane) or risky road behaviour. In France, RFF records one collision every three days between a road user and a train at level crossings, but fortunately has noted a slowdown in the number of fatalities at level crossings over the last decade (around 30 deaths a year). In addition to removing the level crossings with the highest accident risk probability, RFF has been leading campaigns over the last few years on information, prevention and sanction with those involved (prefectures, road safety organisations, SNCF, local authorities, townships, police, gendarmerie).

Launch of operations aimed at prevention on a global scale

On 7 June, an international conference will take place from 16.00 to 17.00 at RFF.
Hubert du Mesnil, President of RFF and Jean-Pierre Loubinoux, Director-General of UIC as well as international rail and road stakeholders, behavioural experts and those involved in prevention will participate in this official kick-off that will be broadcast live around the world.