PRESS RELEASE 10.05.2010

Railway safety campaign of Estonian Technical Surveillance Authority starts on May 10, 2010
The purpose of the campaign is to explain to the general public rules that apply in railway traffic and the dangers involved for reducing the number of railway accidents. The message of the campaign is ”It is closer than you think! Don’t misjudge the speed and distance of an approaching train!“
Railway accidents happen due to various reasons. The majority of the accidents happen because drivers and pedestrians tend to cross railway tracks at the last minute in hurry. They think that the train is far enough. People have their idea about the size and driving speed of cars and buses that are different from the size and speed of trains and it happens often that people misjudge the speed and distance of a train.
By organising the campaign, the Technical Surveillance Authority wants to deliver to people the message that railways are areas with an increased level of danger where people can move safely only if following traffic lights, traffic signs and safety rules. Motor vehicles, their passengers and pedestrians are often the ones that suffer most in railway accidents. Therefore, the motor vehicle drivers and pedestrians should be particularly observant with regard to traffic and safety rules that apply at railway crossings and passenger platforms.
The campaign does not focus on one single target group but hopes to address through media as many Estonian residents as possible. The idea of the campaign and the materials used were developed by Zavod advertising agency.
The campaign lasts from May 10 to December 5, 2010.

Additional information:
Anu Võlma
Chief Specialist of Public Relations
Estonian Technical Surveillance Authority
Sõle 23A, 10614 Tallinn
Tel 667 2031
Anu.Volma@tja.ee