Every year, level crossings represent a major point of vigilance for road safety in France. Although the number of accidents has decreased, they continue to pose a significant risk to drivers and pedestrians. A key player in rail infrastructure, SNCF Réseau is actively involved in safety, education and awareness projects to prevent accidents. This article explores the issues surrounding level crossings, SNCF Réseau’s initiatives and the way in which these actions are presented to the public, particularly at the Mondial de l’Auto, to maximize awareness.
Level Crossing Safety Statistics and Issues
With around 15,000 level crossings in France, of which only 16% are open to road traffic, these points represent a third of fatal rail accidents. Despite progress, risk often persists due to reckless behavior, such as ignoring traffic lights or evading barriers. SNCF Réseau adopts a global approach, combining infrastructure work, prevention campaigns and technological innovations, to respond to these challenges.
SNCF Réseau Security Initiatives
1. Modernization and Automation of Level Crossings
SNCF Réseau invests each year in modernizing level crossings, by automating barriers and replacing signaling equipment with modern devices. Light and sound lights, speed control radars, and surveillance cameras are installed to better alert drivers and pedestrians of dangers. These efforts aim to reduce risky behavior while increasing safety.
2. Removal of High Risk Level Crossings
SNCF Réseau is also working to remove certain level crossings deemed dangerous, replacing them with bridges or tunnels to physically separate the railway from the road. Although expensive, these infrastructures represent a long-term investment to guarantee the safety of users. This program targets the most accident-prone level crossings and requires coordinated efforts with local authorities.
3. Development of Technological Solutions
To complement its actions, SNCF Réseau is exploring technological solutions such as intelligent sensors and obstacle detection. These devices detect the presence of vehicles or pedestrians blocked on the tracks, thus allowing rapid interventions and reducing the risk of accidents. These innovations are developed in partnership with technology companies and start-ups, accelerating their implementation on the ground.
Awareness and Prevention Campaigns
Level crossing safety also depends on user behavior. SNCF Réseau regularly carries out national awareness campaigns to remind people of essential safety rules: respect light signals, do not cross passages when the barriers are lowered, and remain attentive to signals. In 2023, the “On the right track” campaign raised awareness among young people and drivers of these issues, through educational videos, posters, and interventions in schools.
The Importance of Public and Private Partnerships
Securing level crossings is a challenge that requires collaboration between SNCF Réseau, local authorities and the State. Level crossing removal and redevelopment projects require significant funding and careful coordination with local administrations to minimize the impact of the work on surrounding populations. This collaborative approach reinforces the effectiveness of security actions and promotes the involvement of each actor to guarantee security.
Presentation at the Paris Motor Show: Raising Public Awareness of Rail Safety
The Mondial de l’Auto represents a unique opportunity for SNCF Réseau to raise awareness of road safety at level crossings among a large and diverse public. On its stand, SNCF Réseau highlights its prevention and security initiatives, demonstrating modern technologies and improved infrastructure. Visitors thus have the opportunity to understand the risks and discover concrete solutions such as automatic obstacle detection, modernized barriers, and innovations in signaling.
The space is designed to be interactive and educational, with simulators and immersive videos allowing visitors, particularly young drivers, to become aware of the dangers and adopt good reflexes. The stand also offers workshops and discussions to promote safe and respectful behavior at level crossings.
Conclusion
Safety at level crossings is a priority for SNCF Réseau, which adopts a comprehensive approach to guarantee user protection. Through the modernization of infrastructure, the integration of advanced technologies and awareness campaigns, the company strives to reduce the number of accidents. Presence at the Mondial de l’Auto reinforces this commitment by allowing direct interaction with the public, and by reminding people of the importance of respecting safety rules. Everyone – from institutions to citizens – must be involved for these efforts to bear fruit and to make level crossings safer for everyone.
