A total of 35 people were killed and 28 seriously injured at level railway crossings in Greece between 2014 and 2022, according to Kathimerini.
While Greece has relatively few accidents in absolute numbers, it ranks second in Europe—after Estonia—in accidents per kilometer of railway.
Currently, there are 345 level crossings due to the shrinking railway network, 150 of which are unguarded. Most accidents result from non-compliance with the Highway Code, which requires drivers to stop and check before crossing, regardless of whether a crossing is guarded.
Level crossings remain a significant issue across Europe, causing 300 deaths annually in the EU.
Experts emphasize that safety system failures are a concern and stress the need to complete essential infrastructure to reduce accidents and fatalities at level crossings, rather than placing sole responsibility on driver behavior.
Sensor malfunctions are a common issue, sometimes preventing barriers from lowering when a train approaches. This reinforces the assumption that raised barriers indicate it is safe to cross.
Additionally, some level crossings on rural roads, particularly in the interurban network, have limited visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.
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