A level crossing is an interface between road and rail infrastructure. According to the UNECE 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic and the Highway Code, trains have priority, whilst road users and pedestrians must comply with road signs and signals in order to cross safely and consequently prevent any collision arising from misuse or inappropriate behaviour and potentially endangering train passengers, crew and other users.
Using a level crossing is safe as long as users cross properly. Nevertheless, risks still exist and the consequences of a collision between trains and commercial vehicles can be dramatic.
Global freight and passenger traffic, both road and rail, have increased markedly in recent decades, thereby also increasing the risks of collisions at level crossings. This is why level crossing road users should be aware of the risks they may encounter at this particular interface.
This is why UIC decided to issue various level crossing safety flyers:
For professional drivers
In 2016 IRU and UIC, two worldwide road and rail associations, plus Operation Lifesaver Estonia, have decided to join forces to raise awareness about level crossing safety amongst transport professionals.
The 3 safety guidances for
- Bus/coach drivers
- Truck drivers
- Taxi drivers
do not necessarily cover every situation that may arise when drivers of commercial vehicles use a level crossing, but it may help make them more aware of how to avoid the risks that may lead to a collision.
The 3 flyers and an informative note are available in 21 languages. You will find here the light version of the 3 flyers for web use.
Should you need the HD versions in .PDF for printing purposes or the flyers in your language please contact Isabelle Fonverne
For light vehicle drivers
In December 2021, in the framework of the second UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, the International Union of Railways (UIC), the International Road Federation (IRF), two worldwide road and rail associations, plus Operation Lifesaver Estonia (OLE), have decided to join forces to raise awareness about level crossing safety amongst light vehicle drivers and thus contribute to the reduction of collisions and related casualties.
The three organisations have jointly developed two dedicated safety flyers (one for 2-wheel-light-motorised vehicles and one for 4-wheel-light-motorised vehicles).
Both flyers do not necessarily cover every situation that may arise when drivers of light vehicles use a level crossing, but they will certainly raise awareness on how to avoid the risks that may lead to a collision.
Both flyers are available in English for the moment, and later in French and Spanish.
You will find here both flyers for web use.
Should you need the HD versions in .PDF for printing purposes or the flyers in your language please contact Isabelle Fonverne
For motorbike and scooter drivers
For cyclists and users of micro-mobilty devices
For pedestrians
For Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM)
Statistics on level crossing safety:
UIC safety database: https://safetydb.uic.org/
SAFER LC project: https://safer-lc.eu/
and its toolbox https://toolbox.safer-lc.eu/
Contacts: