Bennett  Oghifo

Trains have the right of way over ambulances, patrol vans, other vehicles and pedestrians at level crossings, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Fidet Okhiria, has said.

He stated this in Lagos against the backdrop of frequent accidents at level crossings in the country and warned that trains are not required to slow down at the crossings for other users.

Okhiria spoke on Thursday along with other concerned stakeholders at a symposium on railway safety in Nigeria, an event organised by Transport Day with the NRC to mark the 2023 International Level Cross Awareness Day/No Trespass Campaign.

Even as the NRC MD said the Federal Government in collaboration with the Lagos State Government was already replacing the level crossings with flyovers/underpasses in Lagos, he noted that some areas within and outside the city would still have crossings.

He said any motorist or pedestrian involved in any collision with a train at the level crossing or rail track is liable.

He said, “Trains are not required to slow down at crossings and their speed can often be difficult to gauge.

He said the NRC had made provisions for safety measures at the approach of level crossings such as road signs, siren, barrier, lights and level crossing keepers.

He urged all road users to obey the signs and pay attention to their environment when approaching level crossings.

“Always remember that where there is a crossing, there is danger.  When you see a sign indicating a crossing, slow down, look and listen and be prepared to stop at the stop sign. The flashing lights are there to warn you of oncoming trains and failing to stop under this circumstance is a very dangerous act,” he said.

According to the NRC boss, a train will take a long time to stop, even when its driver slams the brake, adding that a loaded train can take more than one and a half kilometres to stop.

“Modern trains are quieter than ever. Make sure you can hear the sounds of oncoming trains. Using earphones, loud music and screaming make crossing the railway line more dangerous,” he stated.

There were also presentations from the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Nexant Consulting, and Bolanle Edwards, founder of Strap and Safe Child Foundation.