Children and young people will be taught about the dangers of misusing level crossings on the Tyne and Wear Metro network after the introduction of a new and interactive training tool at the SafetyWorks teaching centre in Newcastle. The new level crossing training tool will recreates the red stop lights and warning tones to really show those attending just what the implications of not using it correctly are.
SafetyWorks includes an immersive Metro safety training facility which has a Metro station called West Fifteen, tracks, ticket machines, platforms and a life-sized front end of a Metro train. Located in the west end of Newcastle its a multi-agency training facility which is used by the Tyne and Wear Metro Fire and Rescue Service, Northumbria Police, Nexus and local authorities to conduct safety awareness days for young people.
Deborah Rodenby, Youth Liaison Officer at Nexus, said: “Our new Metro level crossing mock-up is an engaging and interactive tool to get the safety message across to young people in a more effective way. It offers a visual experience which helps children understand the need to stop, look and listen at Metro crossings, just like they are taught to do when they are crossing the road.
“We’ve wanted to make our level crossing safety course more immersive for a while and it’s important to have this new feature at our dedicated Metro training area at SafetyWorks. I get to see thousands of children every year to promote railway safety. It’s amazing how a lot of them don’t know what a level crossing is, and many don’t understand the dangers if they misuse them.
“I can use the mock up to show them exactly what the crossing does, and what to look out for when it activates. It’s vital when crossing over on foot to be alert and always pay attention. We also show them the risks of being distracted by mobile phones or headphone use. Any training tool which is interactive increases the chances of the key messages getting through to the young people. It makes the exercises fun and they enjoy themselves as well as learning how to be safe.”