On Thursday, individuals attempting to cross the rails in Dommeldange were met by a special committee. The CFL, alongside the police, emphasised the risks associated with crossing the tracks as part of the awareness campaign.
A train can take up to 1,200 meters to stop, explained Doris Horvath from the CFL Security Department. Most people are unaware of this, Horvath noted, adding that by the time a train driver sees a car or pedestrian, it is usually too late.
Incidents on the rails occur at least once a day, involving pedestrians or vehicles crossing while barriers are closing, forcing the train to brake. According to Horvath, the frequency of these incidents has increased, often resulting in damaged barriers once a week.
These incidents can lead to delays or, in the worst cases, fatal accidents. Over the past ten years, there have been 13 such accidents involving vehicles, four of which were fatal.
Many incidents stem from people misjudging the speed and braking distance of trains, often in a hurry and believing they can slip past. On Thursday morning in Dommeldange, several motorists were observed driving onto the tracks despite a traffic jam just beyond them. They received warnings from the police and informational brochures from CFL staff.
An ongoing awareness campaign is also being conducted in schools to educate the public about the dangers of crossing railway tracks.
The CFL reports no increase in suicides on train tracks. So far in 2024, there have been three incidents, consistent with the annual average of three to five. These tragic events impact not only the individuals involved but also the train drivers and on-site staff, often leaving them with traumatic experiences that are challenging to overcome, even with psychological support.
For safety reasons, the CFL is gradually eliminating the 106 level crossings across the network. According to CFL spokesperson Alexandra Nonnweiler, the level crossing in Dommeldange will be closed in 2025. It will be replaced with an underpass for pedestrians and cyclists, while cars will need to use alternative routes.
The CFL aims to remove two level crossings per year. However, it can take up to ten years for a project to be fully completed.
For those struggling with suicidal thoughts, support is available through SOS Détresse at 45 45 45. English-speaking assistance is accessible every Wednesday from 11am to 11pm. Additionally, individuals can seek support via email, with responses provided within three working days in Luxembourgish, German, French, English, or Portuguese. Further information is available at www.454545.lu.
