Keep safe, stay safe when travelling by train
Visiting a station and catching a train is a great way to travel as trains are really safe and can move a lot of people at the same time.
To keep yourself safe when waiting for the train there are a few things to remember:
- Stand behind the yellow line away from the platform edge.A train can travel up to 120mph and creates wind which might push or pull you over if too close to the edge.
- When getting to your platform, always follow the passenger walkways around the station and use the footbridges, underpasses or foot crossing. Never go on the track. There could be electric conductor rails or overhead cables which power the train. Theses are always on and could seriously shock or harm you.
- If you drop something on the track – please leave it and report it to a station staff or via the help point and they will tell you what to do. Stay on the platform.
- Never go on the track – you may get squashed. Trains are much quieter now and travel fast. A train is heavy so cannot stop quickly as the force keeps them moving. Trains can come from either direction at any time.
Learn Live - Rail Safe Friendly
On 31st March Learn Live launched the Rail Safe Friendly initiative. An initiative that was introduced in partnership with Network Rail, BTP and RSSB to raise safety awareness in all schools and decrease trespassing on the railways.
There are three different levels that your school can achieve: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Please click here for more information on how your school can become Rail Safe Friendly.
You can find additional rail safety videos and resources for your school at Switched On Website here
Switched On is a new rail safety programme for 3-16 year olds that encourages young people to stay Switched On around the railway. On the website you will find a wide range of age targeted films, interactive games and classroom activities, Switched On teaches pupils to be aware of risky behaviour and develop hazard-spotting skills.
You can also access more info via the Learn Live website here
Arlo’s Adventures
The book, written and illustrated by train driver Bessie Matthews, follows Arlo and his friends on a day out as they make safe choices around the railway. A great book for class guided reading. A copy of the ‘pick a path’ railway safety book can be requested for your school from ESSCRP.
Or you can read it online here
Rail Safety Video
During lock down ESSCRP developed a rail safety video in partnership with Network Rail for delivery in primary schools.
You can watch the video here
STEM
If you are interested in incorporating a broader rail, engineering and STEM based activities, a good starting point is a list of resources collated by the Young Rail Professionals Network. The activity packs help to give you an introduction to the rail sector and an overview of the types of roles people do.
Download the Activity pack here