Estonian Technical Surveillance Authority press release: The main reason of railway accidents is the negligence of road users

In 2013 took place in total 15 railway accidents that is about equal to the year 2012 but twice less than in 2011 when occurred 28 railway accidents. The main reason for the railway accidents is still the negligence of road users and violation of safety rules.

Motor vehicle and train collisions occurred 8 in course of which one person got killed and no one injured. Most of the accidents took place in the third quarter of the year (5). The reason for the collisions is still the negligence of motor vehicle drivers while driving across railway level crossings. Although there was an increase in the number of accidents compared to the previous year, it should still be mentioned that the consequences of the accidents are not so serious than before and cause usually no injuries. The improvement of the level crossings started in the prior periods (LED lights, better visibility, sound signals) has helped to ameliorate the overall level of railway safety. Among the major projects could be mentioned the introduction of 7 automatic traffic light systems with level crossing gates on the Tallinn-Tapa railway line with high traffic density. Now these level crossings are more visible and safer. The remaining 5 level crossings that have no level crossing gates on this line will be enhanced during the first half of 2014. Level crossing gates will be also added to 3 level crossings on the Tapa-Tartu railway line. The Technical Surveillance Authority finds that these improvement measures will have a positive effect also in the periods to come.

Pedestrians trespassing on railway hit by trains – there were 7 accidents where 4 persons were injured and 3 killed. Compared to the year 2012, the number of such accidents has decreased by 5. Also in case of pedestrians, the main reason for accidents is negligence and violation of traffic regulations. Closing unofficial pedestrian crossings and making the existing walkways safer have made a remarkable step forward from safety’s point of view.

In order to ensure the further prevention of railway accidents, the Technical Surveillance Authority continues organising railway safety campaigns in cooperation with NPO Operation Lifesaver Estonia. These campaigns call on people to follow traffic regulations and safety rules while crossing railways, entering and disembarking trains as well as moving in the railway area.

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Additional information:

Anu Võlma

Chief Specialist of Public Relations
Estonian Technical Surveillance Authority
Sõle 23A, 10614 Tallinn
+372 667 2031
+372 50 11 585
anu.volma@tja.ee
www.tja.ee