Drunk driver rams rail barrier: trains stop at the last minute!

Drunk driver rams rail barrier: trains stop at the last minute!

A drunker caused a serious accident on Friday evening at 10:30 p.m. on federal road 1 near Heyrothsberge in Jerichower Land. The 61-year-old ran over the level crossing despite the closed railway barriers and warning signals and significantly damaged the barrier. Fortunately, the driver was unharmed, but the safety device was so badly affected that the barriers were out of order by Saturday evening, reported mdr .

delays at the level crossing

The damaged barriers meant that incoming trains could only cross the level crossing at step speed after stopping and submitting warning signals. The driver now faces criminal consequences for hazardous to road traffic, both because of the driving under the influence of alcohol and due to the damage caused. Such situations are not only dangerous for road users, but also raise the question of how long rail barriers remain closed, such as "https://www.tuev-nord-group.com/de/newsrooom/details/article/bahnuebergaenge-es- and-dauert---lange-daufen Class = "Source_2"> TÜV Nord explained. It can be frustrating for drivers if level crossings are often closed for longer than the specified 240 seconds, especially if there are several trains nearby or the route is complicated.

The railway barriers are an important security feature of level crossings, especially since trains drive much faster than cars and long braking distances. A regional train that drives at 160 km/h, for example, needs more than a minute to stand up to standstill. It is therefore crucial that barriers close in good time to ensure traffic safety and avoid accidents. The fastest trains often have little time for the necessary safety measures in an alarm, which was particularly clear in this situation.