International Level Crossing Awareness Day: Making Every Crossing Safer

How often do you stop to think about the safety of level crossings? For millions of pedestrians and motorists, making the wrong decision can be life-changing.

Yesterday, 5th June, was International Level Crossing Awareness Day, a worldwide initiative to improve safety at crossings, and reduce the number of incidents and near-misses. Each year on International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD), around 50 countries take part in a launch event to support the ILCAD annual campaign. This year, the event was held at the National Railway Museum in York, jointly hosted by Network Rail and the Rail Safety and Standards Board.

The theme of this year’s conference was “Helping people make good decisions” with the slogan, “Safe decisions- every time.”

The team here at KITE Projects were proud to be a sponsor of the event, and exhibit, alongside Bodan, our solutions that we can bring to the railway network. Presentations were held by representatives from different countries attending, sharing powerful insights and learnings.

Key points from the event included:

• Global Attendance: 220 delegates from 22 countries gathered at the National Railway Museum in York.

• Safety & Awareness Focus: Experts discussed human behaviour, accident prevention, and lidar technology for risk assessment.

• Industry & Public Collaboration: Sponsors and organizations like British Scouts and the Samaritans contributed to rail safety initiatives.

• Key Presentations: Talks covered national safety improvements, emergency response strategies, and public awareness campaigns.

• Event Leadership: Hosted by Network Rail and RSSB, with opening remarks from Allan Spence (Global Level Crossing Network) and Isabelle Fonverne (UIC).

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It is so important that we use Level Crossings correctly. Pedestrians must:

• Concentrate – it’s easy to get distracted, especially by phones, music and conversation.

• Stop, look and listen. Follow signs and instructions.

• Check both ways before crossing – if there is a train coming, don’t cross.

• Understand the warnings (lights, barriers, alarms).

• Cross quickly, keeping children close and dogs on a lead.

KITE Projects are pleased to play our role in the safety of the railway, by providing the KITE Safe Cross, a bespoke system engineered to increase the safety of level crossings. The genius of this product is that pedestrians and dog walkers can get a proper sighting of the track at the decision point, which is crucial for their safety. 

Rail Live is just around the corner, and we’re excited to showcase our level crossing and railway access solutions designed to enhance safety across the rail network. Following our participation in International Level Crossing Awareness Day, where we shared insights alongside industry leaders at the National Railway Museum, we’re eager to continue the conversation at Rail Live.

Come visit us to see our products in action and learn how we’re working towards a safer railway. We look forward to seeing you there!