Belarusian Railway urges citizens to observe safety regulations at railway transport facilities, the BTRC press centre informed BELTA.
Belarusian Railway urges citizens to observe safety regulations at railway transport facilities, the BTRC press centre informed BELTA.
"Belarusian Railway once again draws attention to the fact that it is practically impossible to prevent a collision with a pedestrian who suddenly appears on the train's path, as its braking distance exceeds 1 km. Furthermore, when moving at a speed of 120 km/h, a train covers 33 metres in 1 second, while a pedestrian needs at least 5-6 seconds to cross the railway track. Take care of yourselves, be attentive at railway transport facilities. Remember that observing simple safety rules can save your life and the lives of your loved ones," the BJD urged.
Over 9 months of 2021, 73 cases of non-production-related injuries occurred on Belarusian Railway. This is 4 cases more than in the same period last year. 73 people were injured (including four minors), 45 of whom sustained fatal injuries (one child died). More than 45% of those injured were at railway transport facilities while intoxicated.
The main cause of accidents remains the violation of safety regulations at railway transport facilities. The majority of non-production-related injuries occur due to citizens being in the railway track zone while intoxicated, using headphones to listen to music when crossing, talking on mobile phones, and drivers violating traffic rules when crossing railway level crossings.
As emphasized by the press centre, Belarusian Railway consistently and systematically carries out work at railway transport facilities to prevent accidents, including those involving minors. In anticipation of school holidays, Belarusian Railway organises the campaigns "Children and Safety" and "Stop - Wrong Step", and annually participates in the International Level Crossing Safety Day and the "Safety" operation, conducted jointly with law enforcement officers. Since the beginning of the year, extensive explanatory and preventive work has been carried out in the workforces of enterprises and educational institutions, including lectures, discussions, and the distribution of preventive leaflets and brochures.
Volunteer law enforcement units play a crucial role in maintaining public order and preventing offences on Belarusian Railway. In cooperation with law enforcement agencies and the uniformed security of the Belarusian railway, they regularly organise raids and inspect railway infrastructure facilities.
Special attention is paid to the technical maintenance and arrangement of infrastructure that ensures the safe presence of citizens on the railway. Repair work is carried out regularly. Over the 9 months of 2021, Belarusian Railway constructed 5 pedestrian crossings, and carried out major repairs on 4 passenger platforms, 15 pedestrian crossings, and the roadway at 162 level crossings. Furthermore, lighting has been improved at 45 passenger platforms and 33 level crossings, and over 1,000 safety posters have been installed.