English rapper Professor Green has become the face of Network Rail’s new campaign warning people about the dangers of wearing headphones while using level crossings.
In the campaign the music artist is asking fans to stop listening to his music in a bid to bring down the number of deaths on UK level crossings.
This year, two people have died at footpath crossings where it is thought they were wearing headphones.
In the past five years, train drivers or railway staff have reported 19 incidents where pedestrians, joggers or cyclists wearing headphones have crossed the railway, seemingly oblivious to the approaching train.
We hope people will listen up, lose their headphones, and not their lives.
Professor Green said: “I never imagined asking people to stop listening to my music but this is about staying safe, so just for a minute, I want them to stop.
“I know it’s very easy to get caught up in a track when you have your headphones on and get distracted from where you are and what’s around you but I’m asking, please, lose your headphones when at a level crossing and pay attention to all the safety warnings. I don’t want anyone to end up on the tracks listening to one of mine.”
Martin Gallagher, Network Rail’s head of level crossings said: “Trains can travel up to 125mph on the main British rail network and even with safety warnings such as lights and signs at footpaths across the tracks, it’s easy to get distracted if you’re caught up with your favourite tune.
“If Professor Green is asking people to stop listening to his music just for a few minutes, we hope people will listen up, lose their headphones, and not their lives.”
