International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD), a global initiative, was observed on 9th June 2022 to create awareness about level crossing safety. The day also aims to create public awareness about the dangers of misbehaviours at the level crossing.
- Since 2009, The annual ILCAD campaign is spearheaded by the Union Internationale des Chemins de fer (UIC)(International union of railways).
9th June 2022 marks the observance of the 14th International Level Crossing Awareness Day(ILCAD).
- The 13th ILCAD was observed on 10th June 2021 and the 12th edition was observed on 11th June 2020.
The motto/slogan of 2022 ILCAD is “Don’t put your life at risk, stay away from tracks!”.
The 2022 year focus is “Vulnerable People”.
Significance of 2022 ILCAD:
i.The 14th ILCAD campaign was launched during the International Conference held from 8th to 10th June 2022 in Denver, Colorado, the United States of America(USA).
ii.The event was preceded by a special session on “Trespass and Suicide Prevention” on 8th June 2022.
iii.The event was jointly organised by the International Union of Railways (UIC), the Association of American Railroads (AAR), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Operation Lifesaver inc. (OLI).
Background:
i.International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) was initiated as “European Level Crossing Awareness Day” on 25th June 2009 in 28 countries raising public awareness of the dangers of misbehaviour at level crossings.
ii.According to European statistics, level crossing accidents account for only 1% of road deaths but 28% of all rail fatalities.
Risk factors for the level crossing:
The fatalities at the level crossing are due to the carelessness of the people and also due to the negligence of the authorities, such as Unmanned Crossings; Lack of Proper Lighting; and Improper Barricading.
Efforts to reduce level crossing fatalities:
Installation of obstacle detection technologies which are fully automated across various level crossings.
Improving the brightness of the crossings by fitting LED traffic lights.
In India, Indian Railways removed unmanned level crossings in a phased manner by constructing Limited Height Subways (LHS), Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs) in the zone. or manning them.
About Union Internationale des Chemins de fer (UIC):
UIC – International Union of Railways.
Chair– Krzysztof Maminski
Director General– François Davenne
Headquarters– Paris, France
