Page 13 - Operation Lifesaver Estonia Annual Report 2011

Railway Safety in Estonia - 11 - Annual Report 2011
So we see that besides technological improvements we
should pay more attention to raising people’s awareness
and prevention work. In Estonia, most of this work is done
by OLE. The attitudes of people do not change overnight,
thus we must make continuous efforts for making people
aware, our messages must be clear and effectively
presented.
Although, in 2011 the number of railway accidents
decreased compared to 2010, each person killed or
injured is one too many. The material damage caused by
such accidents is also remarkable. The analysis of this
sad statistics indicates that the majority of the accidents
occurred due to the negligence of road users and
violation of traffic regulations. There still exist too many
people who do not care about the rules applicable in
railway traffic and their own lives.
OLE as the leader of the nation-wide railway safety
promotion activities has established a notable network
of volunteer presenters, organised regular railway safety
campaigns and cooperated closely with local authorities
and law enforcement agencies. I am pleased that OLE’s
work has been recognised also at the international level;
their campaigns are mentioned as a good example and
used in other countries all over the world. There is no
doubt that the active work of OLE has deserved support
and recognition also in its home country.
I am convinced that our sustainable cooperation with
OLE in implementing our action plan for enhancing
public railway safety offers the best possible solution
for shaping the right traffic behaviour of people and
directing them towards life preserving behaviour.