In brief

• A video shows a kick scooter rider crossing a railway line between Kołobrzeg and Szczecin just ahead of a train.
• The train driver could not stop in time, and the distance was measured in centimetres.
• New Polish rules allow a three-month driving licence suspension for certain level crossing offences.

Close call on the Kołobrzeg–Szczecin line

A recording posted online shows a rider on a kick scooter crossing the tracks on the route between Kołobrzeg and Szczecin, with a train approaching. The distance between the scooter and the locomotive was measured in centimetres ([Ścigał się po torach... ze śmiercią. wstrząsające nagranie z przejazdu kolejowego [wideo] – forsal.pl](https://forsal.pl/kraj/aktualnosci/artykuly/11341921,wjechal-hulajnoga-wprost-pod-pociag-wstrzasajace-nagranie-z-przejazdu-kolejowego-wideo.html)). The train driver had no way to stop in time.

Why crossings remain a risk

Polish rail operators and safety authorities have repeatedly warned that most collisions at level crossings are caused by road users who ignore barriers, lights or signals. New rules signed by the President of Poland will allow drivers to lose their driving licence for three months for some of these offences (Trzy miesiące bez prawa jazdy za brawurę na torach. Koniec pobłażania dla kierowców łamiących przepisy – raportkolejowy.pl). They include bypassing lowered barriers, entering a crossing while the barriers are coming down or before they are fully raised, driving through a red light at a crossing, and entering the tracks when there is no room to clear the crossing on the far side. The changes take effect 14 days after publication in the Journal of Laws.

Scope of the new penalties

The amendment to the Road Traffic Law also changes related provisions in the Penal Code and the act on drivers of vehicles. Officials say the aim is to reduce the number of accidents at road-rail crossings, where the rail sector attributes the great majority of incidents to drivers.

The case shows that the risk is not limited to cars. Users of scooters, bicycles and pedestrians can be just as exposed when they cross without checking the signals.