Children
love to play and explore and doing this outside is good way to keep them fit and healthy. If your child is beginning to play out with friends it is important you know;
Across Norfolk, we know children sometimes behave dangerously on rail tracks, this includes;
The tabs below have information to help you talk to your child about the risks. They can help your child understand the dangers of playing near the railways.
Younger Children
To help young children stay safe around trains and tracks, you should talk to them often about how to stay safe. No matter where they live or how often they see trains and tracks. This will help them stay safe when they need to.
When using level crossings
Hold your child’s hand when approaching and waiting. If you are pushing a buggy you could ask your child to hold the buggy.
Talk about how to cross train tracks safely;
STOP behind the line.
LOOK both ways for trains.
LISTEN for trains coming.
THINK “Is it safe to cross?”
Wait until the sounds and lights have stopped and the barrier opens (if there is one) and repeat STOP LOOK LISTEN THINK before crossing.
Safety at the station
Teach your child about train safety at the station - If a train passes you can talk about how big the train is, how it goes really fast, and how hard it is for the driver to stop it.
Primary aged children can learn about level crossing safety by watching the Safety Rap film below.
Network Rail have teamed up with Thomas and Friends to help teach children about rail safety. Watch Joe Swash read the stay safe with Thomas story.
Hundreds of people each year lose their lives on the railway. If they avoid being hit by a train, a lethal current from the rails and powerlines could cause serious injury.
In Norfolk not all tracks are electrified, but this does not mean there is less danger.
It is important to make young people aware of the dangers of being around rail tracks;
Watch Tom's story below to see how dangerous the railway can be;
Travelling Safely By Railway
Travelling on railways is seen as the safest form of travel in the UK. But it is still important to know the risks.
When travelling by train;
Network Railway offers many different resources for rail safety for children and young people.
If you are concerned about dangerous behaviour around the railway you can call the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016. In an emergency call 999.
If you cannot make voice calls, you can now contact the 999 emergency services by SMS text from your mobile phone. Emergency SMS is part of the standard 999 service which has been designed specifically for people with hearing loss or difficulty with speech.
