A selfie on the tracks can kill - campaign highlighting the dangers of railways

Every year, among the many incidents on the railways in Finland, 50–60 persons are killed by trains. Taking photos on the tracks has become an alarming trend, especially among young people.

"The tracks are not a place where you can hang out or play, and it is forbidden to cross the tracks. It is not easy to see an approaching train until it is too late, if, for instance, you are focussing on taking photos. Children and youngsters in particular do not always understand that a train cannot give way or stop in time," says Marko Tuominen, Head of Rail Safety at the Finnish Transport Agency.

Adults also walk on the tracks without permission, often out of thoughtlessness. However, adults should serve as role models and tell children and youngsters about the dangers of walking on the tracks.

"It is important to talk about the dangers of the railways. People, in general, do not realise how dangerous the tracks really are,” says Kirsi Pajunen, Leading Specialist at Trafi.

1. It is not allowed, and always dangerous, to walk on the tracks
All walking and loitering in the railway area is prohibited by law. It is also prohibited to cross the tracks anywhere else than at the official railway crossings, and to walk in the railway yard or on the embankment.

It is never safe to walk in the railway area. In addition to passenger trains, there are many different kinds of trains, with frequently changing timetables, moving on the tracks.

2. Trains move fast and silently
An approaching train is often not detected until it is too late. Trains can move at speeds of up to 220 km/h. Depending on the speed and conditions, the stopping distance of the train can be as long as 1,500 metres.

3. Vandalism is dangerous for the vandals themselves
According to the law, the passage of trains must not be hindered. Obstructions on the track are not only dangerous for bypassers, but also for the train driver, passengers and the vandals themselves. An obstruction, such as a stone or bicycle, placed on the tracks is classed as vandalism.

4. Electrified railways are always dangerous
The voltage of electrified railway lines can be lethal. It is forbidden to climb on top of stationary railway wagons in railway yards, due to the imminent danger to life.
 

Further information

Marko Tuominen, Head of Rail Safety at the Finnish Transport Agency, phone +358 29 534 3981, firstname.lastname(at)fta.fi

Kirsi Pajunen, Leading Specialist at Trafi, phone +358 29 5346 830, firstname.lastname(at)fta.fi

VR Group's mediadesk, phone +358 30 70123 or email viestinta(a)vr.fi

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