London, England – Network Rail has released shocking CCTV footage showing pedestrians risking their lives at level crossings due to distractions.

The video highlights dangerous moments caught on camera. One clip shows a teenager standing in the middle of a level crossing, staring at a mobile phone. Another shows a couple with a baby stroller ignoring warning alarms and crossing unsafely.

Over the past four years, there have been 1,574 near miss incidents involving pedestrians at level crossings. During the months of April to May, these incidents rise by an average of 16%.

Network Rail’s research shows that nearly half of people admit to making mistakes while distracted by their phones. Gen Z and Millennials are the most affected.

Distractions have led people to miss trains, walk into objects, or drop things. Now, Network Rail is warning that such distractions at level crossings can have deadly consequences.

Lucy Ruck, who lost her leg in a railway incident at age 17, shared her story. She now campaigns for level crossing safety and urges the public to stay alert.

Network Rail urges everyone to stop, look, and listen at crossings. Warning signs and barriers must always be obeyed. People should check both ways and never assume the track is clear.

Each level crossing is different. There are 6,000 across the country. The public is asked to cross quickly and safely, making sure exits are clear.

Thomas Desmond of Network Rail warned that distractions continue to put lives at risk. He stressed that it’s better to wait than to risk everything.

Professor Gemma Briggs added that phones cause inattentional blindness. People may miss dangers right in front of them because their attention is divided.

The message is clear: put the phone away and focus completely when crossing.

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