The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) today released its report into a fatal accident at Halkirk level crossing, Caithness, on 29 September 2009.
A full copy of the report is available here:
Summary
At 10:38 hrs, on 29 September, a train travelling from Inverness to Wick struck a car on the level crossing at Halkirk resulting in fatal injuries to the three occupants of the car who were all part of the same family. There were no injuries to passengers on the train or to the train crew and the train was not derailed.
The RAIB investigation identified that:
- The driver of the car did not react to the road traffic light signals and drove onto the crossing at the same time as the train arrived.
- It is likely that the car driver did not react to the lights because he did not see them due to his eyesight being sub-standard.
- Testing of the road traffic light signals by the RAIB following the accident showed that the conspicuity of the road traffic light signals was reduced by the poor condition of the backboards. This could also have given rise to a greater susceptibility to reflected light in the case of a driver with sub-standard eyesight.
- The 30 mph speed limit signs close to the level crossing could have been a distraction to vehicle drivers.
- Network Rail did not fully understand the risk at Halkirk crossing because they had not taken the records of previous accidents there into account. If they had done so, additional risk reduction measures, such as the provision of barriers, might have been justified.
Since the accident, Network Rail has fitted new light emitting diode (LED) road traffic light signals that are more conspicuous, and has reduced the maximum speed of trains over the crossing.
Recommendations
As a consequence of this accident the RAIB has made six recommendations targeted at Network Rail concerning:
- Improvements to the risk assessment of Halkirk level crossing taking into account local factors and the previous accident history;
- Improved guidance to staff on carrying out risk assessments of level crossings;
- Improvements to the maintenance of road traffic light signal backboards;
- The taking into account of potentially distracting signage (in this case a 30 mph speed limit sign) when assessing risk at level crossings;
- Improved guidance to staff on the checking of the alignment of road traffic light signals; and
- Reviewing the design of long hoods that can be fitted to level crossing road lights and implement any necessary changes identified to make them more effective.
Notes to editors
1. The sole purpose of RAIB investigations is to prevent future accidents and incidents and improve railway safety. The RAIB does not establish blame, liability or carry out prosecutions.
2. For media enquiries, please call 020 7944 3248.
Newsdate: 23 September 2010
