Introducing Rail Safe Friendly: Promoting Rail Safety for UK Children

The programme was launched following the tragic death of 11-year-old Harrison Ballantyne who received a fatal electric shock after climbing over a fence to retrieve his football at a train depot.

Already, over 4,000 UK schools are on board with the Rail Safe Friendly programme and more than 80 industry partners from across the rail sector have sponsored and become partners in it.

The programme seeks to educate children and young people on the many dangers that are present on the railway. For example, nearly half of the UK rail network is electrified and more than 30 per cent uses a third rail to power the train. The third rail has 750 vaults running through it, which is enough to kill or seriously injure someone if they stepped on it. Overhead cables that power trains carry 25,000 vaults, more than 100 times the power of electricity in the average home. Electricity from overhead lines can also jump or arc through the air, meaning someone does not have to be touching the line to be electrocuted and killed.

Knorr-Bremse is proud to support such a vital rail safety education programme.

Putting Safety First

At Knorr-Bremse, safety is always at the forefront of our minds. By joining forces with Rail Safe Friendly, we're taking proactive steps to ensure the next generation is aware of the dangers of trespassing on the railway. Our community is important to us, and we're helping children develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to stay safe on and around trains.

Building a Safer Future Together

By supporting Rail Safe Friendly, Knorr-Bremse is playing a vital role in building a safer future for UK children. Through our collective efforts, we can make a positive impact on rail safety and ensure that every child has the knowledge and confidence to navigate safely in and around the railways of the UK.

Our Commitment in Action

Knorr-Bremse’s commitment to rail safety education extends into schools across the local area. We have sponsored and engaged with several schools, providing them with resources, workshops, and support to achieve their Rail Safe Friendly certifications. Here are some of the schools we've been proud to sponsor:

• St. Patrick's Catholic Primary School, Corsham, Wiltshire: this school has achieved a Bronze level in rail safety awareness. Our workshops have helped students learn the importance of staying alert and cautious around railways.
• Notton House Academy, Lacock, Wiltshire: Notton House has embraced the Rail Safe Friendly initiative, earning a Bronze level. Our interactive sessions have made rail safety an integral part of their curriculum.
• St Luke's C of E Primary School, Heywood, Lancashire: St Luke’s has also achieved a Bronze level. Through engaging activities and informative presentations, we’ve instilled vital safety practices in their young minds.
• St Benedict's Catholic Primary School, Handforth, Cheshire: This school, has reached the Bronze level. Our sponsorship has enabled the school to deliver vital learning centered around rail safety, ensuring that students understand the risks and safe practices.

So far, Knorr-Bremse has helped 936 children get the information they need to stay safe around Rail tracks, carriages and powerlines, with a commitment to helping deliver this education to more students in the future.

Looking Ahead

Knorr-Bremse is dedicated to continuing our support for Rail Safe Friendly and expanding our reach to more schools across the local community. By working together, we can create a culture of safety and responsibility among young people. Our mission is to ensure that every child is equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate the railways safely.

Your Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK - Team