The second stage of the 'Safe Rails' social and educational campaign began in Lithuania on 8 October. The campaign aims to remind the public to behave safely at and near railway crossings.

The campaign will take place at 24 railway crossings across the country in cooperation with representatives of the LTG Group, the Ministry of Transport and Communications, and the Lithuanian police.

This initiative forms part of the LTG Group's and its partners' ongoing efforts to reduce the number of accidents in railway areas.

"Each campaign reminds us that to avoid tragic traffic accidents, we must all be more careful, whether we are driving or travelling on foot. Our goal is for everyone to take responsibility for their own safety and that of other road users. By working together, we can achieve zero fatalities on the railways," says Minister of Transport Juras Taminskas.

According to Gediminas Šečkus, Director of Business Resilience at the LTG Group, the crossings at which the campaign will take place have been selected based on crossing intensity, risk level, and statistics on recorded traffic accidents and violations.

"Statistics show that some people still take risks when crossing level crossings without checking for approaching trains. Campaigns like this one serve as a reminder that unsafe behavior at level crossings can have serious consequences,” says Šečkus.

During the campaign, residents will be given snail-shaped reflectors, which were very popular during the summer campaign. They also serve as a reminder that trains are always faster and that careless rushing and reckless behavior can cost lives.

'Safe Tracks' is a preventive and educational campaign. During the first level crossing campaign this summer, 23 level crossings were visited. This year, the markings at 24 level crossings have been renewed. The rails at the 15 most dangerous locations were repainted to improve visibility and draw attention to these areas.

The campaign covers physical safety measures and education. Teaching materials for driving schools, preschools and primary schools have been updated.

By the end of the year, we plan to visit ten educational institutions, including kindergartens and schools, where special lessons on safe behavior around railways will be held.

These initiatives are not intended to punish people, but to gently remind them of the importance of responsible behavior around railways. No matter how much of a hurry we are in, we must remember that a train always seems to be closer than it actually is. When approaching the tracks, make sure there are no trains coming. Stop, look around and listen," says G. Šečkus, reminding us of the basic rules of safe behavior.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Lithuanian Police, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, and the Lithuanian Transport Safety Administration are supporting this campaign. Priority is given to communities living near railways, where safety is a daily concern.

To ensure greater safety in the railway environment, the Ministry of Transport and Communications has prepared and is implementing the 2025 Railway Transport Safety Improvement Plan, together with the LTG group of companies, the Lithuanian Transport Safety Administration, and other institutions.

For more information about the campaign and how to behave safely on the railway, visit www.saugusbegiai.lt.