A tragic incident occurred at a railway crossing. As the railway gate began to close with the siren sounding, many Indian road users approaching the crossing increased their speed, honking persistently in an attempt to urge the gatekeeper to hold the gate open for them. This behaviour is common at railway crossings, as people often try to avoid waiting the 5-10 minutes for the train to pass.
One motorcyclist, in an attempt to beat the gate, rushed to cross. However, he couldn’t make it in time and slipped under the closing gate. Tragically, a high-speed train was approaching from the other side, and the biker was struck, resulting in his untimely death.
Why Did This Accident Happen? Why do so many Indian road users fail to follow rules and show such impatience, especially at railway crossings?
A lack of patience dramatically increases the likelihood of accidents and fatalities. Indian drivers often display aggressive behaviour, and at railway crossings, this becomes even more evident. When the gates are closed, drivers often cluster around the barrier, both in the lane and on the opposite side of the road. This disorganized behaviour creates confusion when the gates reopen, leading to further congestion and delays. It is truly unfortunate and unprofessional how some individuals handle driving or riding near railway crossings, where caution and discipline should be the priority. Also Read : The Heartbreaking Reality of Animal Road Accidents in India-Who Cares for Animals After Road Accidents?
Factors Contributing to Risky Behavior
- A lack of awareness and education
- Misjudging Train Speed and Distance
- Failure to Check Both Sides of the Tracks
- Not Anticipating Trains
- Stopping on tracks or dangerous areas
- Driving Under or Side Closed Gates:
- Poor signage, lighting
- The desire to avoid waiting time
- Overconfidence
- Lack of Enforcement
- Violating Traffic Rules
- Not following signals
- Distracted driving
- Also Read : https://indianrailways.gov.in/
Consequences of Risky Behavior
- Accidents and Fatalities: Lives are lost unnecessarily due to reckless decisions.
- Injuries and permanent disabilities: survivors may face life-altering consequences.
- Damage to Vehicles and Property: Costly repairs and replacements are often the result.
- Disruption of Rail and Road Traffic: Delays and logistical issues affect both road users and railway schedules.
- Economic and Financial Loss: The cost of accidents, both personal and public, is significant.
Stay Safe, Drive Safe!
