Concern grows over sharp increase in train accidents in Hungary
The increasing number of railway accidents in Hungary this year has raised concerns, with most incidents attributed to reckless driving, speeding, and ignoring railway signals. Drivers often ignore red lights and use their phones while driving, leading to collisions at railway crossings. This year alone, there have been 570 reported instances of barrier damage, a significant jump from the previous year.
These accidents not only disrupt rail services but also result in significant delays, impacting thousands of passengers. Damaged trains often require repairs or, in some cases, may need to be scrapped, according to turizmus.com citing MÁV.
The number of pedestrian accidents has also risen, with 32 incidents occurring this year, resulting in 20 fatalities. Comparatively, last year during the same period, there were 20 pedestrian accidents, with 6 resulting in death.
Cyclists and pedestrians are also at high risk, especially when they cross tracks without paying attention or using designated crossings. Distractions like headphones or mobile phones prevent them from noticing approaching trains, leading to tragic outcomes.
Tragically, there has also been an increase in railway suicides, with 73 cases reported this year compared to 52 during the same period last year.
In response to these alarming trends, MÁV, Hungary’s national railway company, launched a safety campaign in April 2022 titled “Get Home Safely!”. The campaign aims to educate the public, raise awareness about road safety, and reduce accident rates. Eye-catching posters have been placed near railway crossings across the country as part of this initiative.
MÁV stresses that reducing accidents is a combined effort and urges both drivers and pedestrians to adhere to traffic rules diligently, as failing to do so could have life-threatening consequences. It is essential for everyone to prioritize safety and follow proper procedures when near railway tracks to prevent further tragedies.
Let’s all work together to ensure that everyone can “Get Home Safely!” after their journey.
