Hero of the last second: security guard saves woman from tram!

Hero of the last second: security guard saves woman from tram!

On October 19, 2025, an incident occurred in Kayseri, Türkiye, that clearly illustrates the dangers of distracted driving. A woman wearing headphones while crossing train tracks did not notice the tram arriving. Luckily, an alert security guard intervened and pulled her back from the tracks in time. Without his quick action, this incident could have had serious consequences, as both the safety of the passer-by and that of the railway company would have been at risk. The security man is celebrated as a true hero on social networks, while the rescued woman is largely criticized for her carelessness, which puts the issue of distraction in everyday life back in the spotlight.

Such incidents are not isolated cases. Distraction is one of the most common causes of accidents on the road. An extensive study by the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) shows that younger drivers in particular are often distracted by activities such as reading and writing text messages. This study highlights that distractions also affect using navigation devices and even eating or drinking. The results show that, on average, drivers performed two secondary activities in the last 30 minutes of their journeys, highlighting the dangers of distraction.

Distraction in traffic

A podcast entitled “Steering instead of distracting”, moderated by Jan Bergrath, addresses the importance of paying attention in traffic. Experts like Dr. Anja Katharina Huemer, traffic psychologist at the TU Braunschweig, and Siegfried Brockmann, head of the insurer's accident research, discuss the relevant role of distractions and the decline in the number of accidents in Germany that were recorded in 2023. Despite a decline in fatalities, 47 truck drivers died in accidents at the end of traffic jams, often caused by too close a distance or distraction.

Dr. Huemer emphasizes that distraction cannot be viewed in isolation; it increases the risk in combination with factors such as speed and distance. Holger Brost, an experienced truck driver, describes that monotony and increasing traffic tempt drivers to become inattentive. To counteract this, Brost recommends minimizing distractions by using audio books.

Measures to avoid accidents

The importance of driver education is highlighted as essential. Companies should take proactive measures to improve working conditions and protect drivers from distractions. Dr. Huemer also recommends that drivers should be well prepared and well rested in order to be safe. Modern truck drivers are said to be often less active in their jobs, which can lead to increased fatigue. In addition, the use of cell phones while driving is particularly critical as it can significantly increase reaction times.

In summary, the Kayseri incident not only highlights the immediate dangers of distracted driving, but also highlights the need to promote driver alertness and vigilance. A constantly changing traffic situation requires comprehensive awareness and responsible action. Media discussions and studies are important steps in the right direction to ensure the safety of all road users.

The incident reflects the critical connections between distraction, road safety and individual behavior. In order to avoid further tragic events, increased education and awareness is required. The security guard who rescued this woman reminds us that timely intervention can save lives.

For more information on the topics of distraction and road safety, you can refer to the articles from Cosmo, BG Traffic and Bast be referred.