RISKS OF MOBILE-PHONE USE NEAR RAILWAY TRACKS

PHONE AWAY • HEADPHONES OFF • LIFE COMES FIRST Mobile-phone use near railway tracks, platforms and level crossings can distract children from approaching trains, warning signals and announcements. Children must put phones away, remove headphones and remain fully alert in every railway environment. Selfies, videos and online challenges must never be attempted near tracks or restricted areas. No call, message or photograph is more important than life.

Risks of Mobile-Phone Use Near Railway Tracks

Mobile-phone use near railway tracks, platforms and level crossings can create a severe and immediate risk. Calls, messages, games, videos, photography and social media can reduce awareness of approaching trains, warning horns, barriers, announcements and surrounding traffic. Children must put devices away whenever they are near an operational railway environment.

Headphones and earphones are particularly dangerous because they may block essential warning sounds. Children must remove them before approaching an authorised railway crossing and should not replace them until they are well clear of the railway area. Noise-cancelling features must never be used near tracks or level crossings.

Looking at a screen while walking can cause a child to miss a warning light, stumble over an uneven surface or follow another person into danger. Even at an authorised crossing, full attention is required. The phone should remain stored securely, and the child should stop in a safe place if communication is genuinely necessary.

Railway tracks and passing trains must never be used as backgrounds for selfies, videos or online challenges. Children must not stand near platform edges, climb railway property, enter restricted areas or take risks to create digital content. Online attention is temporary; the consequences of an unsafe act may be permanent.

Mobile-phone use can also distract cyclists, drivers and pedestrians from gates and road conditions. No message, photograph or call should take priority over a railway warning. Responsible digital behaviour means choosing a safe location before using the device.

Parents and teachers must model this standard. Adults who use phones while crossing, walking on platforms or supervising children weaken the safety message. Devices should be put away so that adults can maintain full awareness and effective supervision.

Digital education should empower children to reject unsafe content and discourage friends from attempting risky railway photographs or stunts. Threatening or dangerous online challenges should be reported to a trusted adult.

Through RailVidya, AIRSC promotes a clear national principle: near railway infrastructure, look up from the screen, remove headphones and give safety your complete attention.

Phone Away • Headphones Off • Eyes on the Crossing • Life Comes First

© 2026 Dr.R.Padmanabhan. All Rights Reserved.

Chairman — All India Rail Safety Council (AIRSC)

Promoting Railway Safety, Education and Public Awareness