Page 34 - Operation Lifesaver Estonia / Annual Report 2012

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tragic collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and on railroad rights of way.

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Eastern Prefecture

Annela Floren

In 2012 the Eastern Prefecture organised in schools

several lectures on railway safety that were meant

to increase the awareness of the youth about the

dangers related to railways and thereby reduce

the number of people losing their life on rails. The

lectures discussed such topic as “You can – make

your friends aware of dangers related to railways”,

“You can – explain to your close ones how to cross

railways safely”, and “You can –make your life safer“.

On December 10–26 we participated in OLE’s

campaign “Let the train pass! You are expected

home for Christmas!” reminding people about the

dangers and rules related to crossing railways. As

we know very well the actual situation in our area,

we focused our activities in the field of railway

safety to the bottlenecks. During the campaign

we monitored railway level crossings in Rakvere,

Tapa and Tamsalu, the pedestrian crossing in the

centre of Jõhvi, the railway section located between

Kerese and Paemurru streets in Narva, railway line

in Sillamäe and its crossings, and the Hiiemetse-

Auvere level crossing located in Vaivara rural

municipality. During the checks we identified several

violations and it appeared that mostly people fail to

follow the rules applicable for crossing railways at

level crossings. We also identified some trespassers

walking on railways where it was not permitted.

The police officers drew people’s attention to the

fact that they should follow the flashing traffic light

signals wile approaching level crossings and if there

are no such signals, they should make sure that no

train is approaching.

“Prevention and notification form a significant part of

the police work. Informing of people and increasing

their awareness in the field of safety help us to prevent

negative consequences.”

Western Prefecture

Karmen Kukk

In 2012 railway safety education work was carried

out in three counties of the Western Prefecture –

Järva, Rapla and Pärnu.

In Järva County, Marju Tamsalu and Malle

Hermanson, youth police officers of the Paide Police

Department, visited the kindergartens of Türi within

the framework of the “You can” project. Together

with Sparkies, they told to children about railway

safety and how to behave in trains. In cooperation

with Edelaraudtee AS was organised a practical

train trip from Türi to Käru and back that was

attended by 75 pre-school children. After the train

trip the kids drew pictures about what they heard in

kindergartens and experienced in trains, which were

later displayed in “Kevade” cafeteria located in Türi.

All the customers of the cafeteria had a chance to

choose their favourite drawings. The feedback we

received from the “You can” project confirmed once

again that the topics discussed were interesting

and useful. In 2013 the project will cover all the

kindergartens located in the territory of Järva County.

In addition to kindergartens, Malle and Marju have

held lectures on railway safety also 6th graders

during the KEAT project. The feedback from youth

has always been positive and after the presentations

they are convinced that they will not be spending

their free time on railways.

In 2012 Pärnu County obtained 6 new certified OLE

presenters. Already before getting their certificates,

the youth police officers organised in “Pöialpoiss”

kindergarten in Pärnu a railway safety day during

which a wooden train was constructed in the

yard of the kindergarten. Apart from OLE parents,

Pärnu Town Government and the students of Pärnu

Vocational Training Centre supported this project.

In Rapla County police officers led by Lea Leopard

organised a family day for the people of Kehtna

Rural Municipality during which were introduced

the dangers related to railway and road traffic.