A pedestrian had a narrow escape with an oncoming train in East Yorkshire after his dog alerted him to the oncoming train.
Network Rail and Northern are reinstating their message for people to stay alert and always use level crossings safely following the recent incident at Snuff Mill lane level crossing in Cottingham earlier this month, where around 80 trains per day travel speeds up to 70 miles per hour.
The pedestrian did not hear the warnings or pay attention to the signs, and walked through the gate, onto the crossing. The driver of the Northern train spotted the pedestrian as he approached the level crossing at around 65mph.
The driver said he blew his horn but the pedestrian didn’t react. He was then forced to engage the emergency brake while continuously blowing the horn.
Despite the driver continuously sounding the train’s horn, the man proceeded to cross. He was within six feet of the train and was about to step onto the line when his dog saw the train approaching and pulled on the lead, which made the man stop.
When a driver pulls the emergency brake, it can take up to 2,000 metres, the length of 20 football pitches, before the train comes to a standstill. As well as being unable to stop quickly, trains cannot swerve out of the way, and misusing level crossings could lead to life changing or even fatal consequences.
Network Rail carried out work to upgrade Snuff Mill Lane level crossing and improve safety in 2018. A cautionary device was put in place which mimics the sound of a train horn, so pedestrians and cyclists know when a train is approaching. Work has also taken place to improve the surface of the crossing and make the marked areas clearer where people should cross when it is safe to do so.
Richard Hayden, Level Crossing Manager for Network Rail, said: “This incident at Snuff Mill Lane level crossing is shocking, and it’s clear the pedestrian was not paying attention and did not hear the warnings. The consequences could have been fatal if it wasn’t for the man’s dog pulling on the lead.
“We have carried out work at this crossing to improve safety, but it’s crucial that people stop, look and listen. They should concentrate and cross quickly and directly when it is safe to do so. It’s easy to get distracted by music, and the safest option is to remove your headphones when approaching level crossings.”
Steve Hopkinson, Regional Director at Northern, said: “The rail industry is working closely together to educate people about how to use crossings safely.
“It is only through good fortune and a very alert dog that we were not left dealing with tragic circumstances in this incident. It is vital that everyone respects the railway and follows guidance and advice to stay safe.”
Image: Network Rail
