A concerning surge in accidents at railway crossings across Germany is projected to reach a new peak in 2025. Data analyzed by NDR from the Federal Office for Railway Accident Investigation (BEU) reveals that the number of fatalities and injuries has already surpassed levels recorded in both of the preceding two years.
As of the end of August, 36 people have lost their lives and 188 have sustained injuries in accidents occurring at railway crossings on federally owned tracks. While the number of railway crossings has decreased by nearly a fifth since 2010, according to Deutsche Bahn (DB), the rate of dismantling these crossings has slowed considerably in recent years.
“Every accident, every injury and every death is one too many. We cannot become accustomed to such incidents” stated DB spokesperson Achim Stauß in an interview with NDR, expressing confidence that the railway company, in collaboration with the federal government, state governments and local municipalities, can further reduce the number of railway crossings.
Stauß acknowledged a stagnation in the reduction of crossings, explaining that previous efforts primarily focused on those easily replaced with bridges or tunnels. “Now we’re facing more complex cases that are also more difficult to finance, as solutions require partnerships and a shared commitment to funding.
Railway crossings are recognized as the most hazardous locations within the rail network. As of 2023, there were 15,820 railway crossings within the DB network. The high incidence of accidents involving cars, pedestrians and trains frequently results in fatalities and injuries. While the number of crossings has fallen by approximately half since the 1950s, largely due to track closures and sales, the rate of decline has plateaued over the last decade.
Eric Schöne, an expert from the TU Dresden, has observed a lack of discernible improvements in safety at existing railway crossings. He advocates for increased investment and time dedicated to eliminating problematic crossings and implementing additional technical safety measures. Accelerated planning, approval and construction processes are also crucial, avoiding increasingly complex regulations.
Human error is cited as the cause in over 95% of accidents occurring at railway crossings. However, instances of lapses in duty by signalmen and temporary railway crossing attendants, often deployed at construction sites, also contribute to incidents. Schöne proposes the introduction of additional safety technology, referred to as “post-warning systems” which would automatically close barriers in the event of human error, particularly when a train is approaching. He emphasizes the inevitable risk of human error and underscores the necessity of implementing technical solutions to mitigate this risk.
