Tragic incidents on railway tracks, unfortunately, continue to occur all too often. That is why, from 22 to 28 September 2025, police officers, together with representatives of Slovenian Railways, are taking part in Railpol’s international prevention campaign. Railpol is the European association of the organisations responsible for policing the railways in EU member states.
The Rail Action Week campaign, now taking place for the ninth consecutive year across all member countries under the auspices of Railpol’s Police Investigation in Railway Accidents and Other Major Incidents working group, aims to foster a stronger safety culture both on trains and at railway crossings, ultimately enhancing overall rail safety.
Police officers from all regional police directorates, together with Slovenian Railways staff, will focus their monitoring efforts on the most exposed railway sections and train services. Checks will focus on trespassing on railway lines, the misuse of railway crossings by both drivers and pedestrians, as well as offences committed on trains, such as boarding or alighting while the train is in motion, damaging or destroying railway property, public-order disturbances, and other violations.
Do not attempt to cut in front of a train—its braking distance runs to several hundred metres.
Crossing the tracks where there is no designated crossing is life-threatening!
It is important to remember that trains have a significantly longer braking distance than cars. While failing to yield at a road crossing might result in a minor incident, this is rarely the case at railway crossings, where trains can take several hundred meters to come to a stop after hitting a vehicle.
Careless trespassing on the tracks—mostly by locals—also poses a serious risk. In poor visibility, crossing the tracks at unguarded level crossings becomes even more hazardous. Drivers are advised to open their windows when stopping their vehicle before a crossing in such conditions, as even if they will not be able to see the oncoming train, they will at least be able to hear it!
Police emphasizes that drivers' reckless behaviour at level crossings is a major factor in railway accidents, especially when combined with reduced visibility caused by weather conditions like fog or sun glare. Unfortunately, accidents still occur at crossings equipped with warning lights, half barriers, or even full barriers.
There is simply no excuse for crossing the tracks when the barriers are not fully raised and the warning lights are flashing. Most often, drivers will drive around the half barriers, speed up and drive under the lowering barriers, or cross while the barriers are still coming up, all with devastating consequences.
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