More young people are taking risks on tracks, says Network Rail ahead of the school summer holidays. The railways and British Transport Police (BTP) have launched a ‘You Vs Train‘ campaign to confront teenagers with the consequences for them and loved ones when they make the decision to go on the railway.
The campaign features a short film reenacting Tom Hubbard’s story – he was electrocuted by overhead power cables after climbing on top of a train in 2014 – launched across social media and shown in cinemas this summer. Tom’s family will also feature.
Allan Spence, head of public and passenger safety at Network Rail, said: “The railway is full of both obvious and hidden dangers. The electricity on the railway is always on and always dangerous. Trains can also travel up to 125 miles per hour, so even if a driver can see your child, they can’t stop in time and they can’t change direction. Parents – please help us keep your children safe by educating them about what they take on when they step on the track.”
And Robin Smith, assistant chief constable at BTP, said: “We hope that by sharing Tom’s story, young people who might have previously considered trespassing on the railways will think twice. We want his story to be heard – the tracks are not a playground. They’re incredibly dangerous and, as Tom’s story shows, can easily result in serious injury or worse.
“We hope the campaign will help young people to understand the risks, and help them to make the right decision and stay away from railway lines. Equally, it will also help them understand that bad decisions don’t just affect them, but they will have a deep and lasting impact on their families and friends as well. This campaign is not just for our young people but also their friends and family.”
Visit http://www.youvstrain.co.uk/.
That campaign website makes the point that electricity is easily the most dangerous factor in stepping on the track – it’s always switched on and nine out of ten people die when they’re struck by it.
Tom says: “I woke up 11 days later in the burns unit at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital wrapped from head to toe in bandages, heavily medicated and unable to string a sentence together. I don’t think I knew what was real and what wasn’t. When the doctors and my mum came to speak to me a few days later, the enormity of what had happened finally hit me. They explained how lucky I was to be alive, but it was going to be a long road to recovery.
“Four years on I’m still affected by the events of that day and every time I look in the mirror I’m reminded by that one decision to go on the railway. The accident has made me more of an introvert and cautious of trying new things, often opting to stay in during the day to avoid people and wear hoodies and long-sleeved tops to hide my scars, even on hot days.”
See also Network Rail’s level crossings and railway safety materials.
