Polish rail safety warning after scooter rider nearly hits train

On 26 June, a young rider on an electric scooter ignored a red signal and half‑barriers at a level crossing between Sochaczew and Błonie, near the village of Boża Wola. The scooter entered the tracks just metres before an approaching Koleje Mazowieckie passenger train, which managed to brake in time, avoiding a collision. Video recorded by Polish State Railways (Polskie Linie Kolejowe) was released to illustrate the danger.

Polskie Linie Kolejowe used the footage to remind all road users – drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and scooter riders – that a red light and lowered barriers mean a mandatory stop. Violations at railway crossings can incur fines of 2 000 zł, rising to 4 000 zł for repeat offences. The company warned that the stopping distance of a train can be up to a kilometre and that reckless crossing attempts can result in serious injury or death.