– First we have to know what caused the accident and what has happened, but I would not think that we will replace the half barrier with something else, says Olle Mornell who is a senior level crossing specialist at the Swedish Transport Administration.
He also believes that half-bars will continue to exist.
When the red warning light starts flashing at a level crossing with half barriers, it takes 40 seconds for the train to arrive. At level crossings with full barriers, it takes longer than that.
– We know through research that if the train hasn’t arrived within 60 seconds, motorists can get impatient and start slalom driving, so there are risks with that too, says the level crossing specialist.
The Swedish Transport Administration: “Half barriers very safe”
Olle Mornell believes that full and half barriers have roughly the same level of safety.
– Half barriers are a very common protection option and they are very safe. Technically, they work very well. In terms of protection, there is no major difference between full barriers and half barriers, says Mornell.
What should you do if you get stuck between two barriers?
– Should there be a barrier in the way, just drive. The boom goes off, so that’s the best. You should not try to get out and do anything – but just drive on. If you can’t do that, you have to try to evacuate as soon as you can, but it’s a critical situation.