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Fredin-Knutzén J, Hadlaczky G, Wigren A, Sokolowski M. A pilot study evaluating the preventive effects of platform-end lengthwise fencing on trespassing, person struck by train and traffic delays. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2024; 88:78-84. [PMID: 38485387 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2023.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trespassing at train tracks and "person under train" (PUT) incidents are serious health, societal and transportation concerns. There is a need for developing different measures to prevent these events. Here, we hypothesized that platform-end lengthwise fences (PLF) reduce trespassing, the number of PUT incidents (suicides and accidents), and train traffic delays. METHOD PLFs were installed as the intervention at one station in Stockholm in 2020. The number of trespassers detected using CCTV-cameras was compared before and after at the intervention station over a total period of 29 months (using incidence rate ratio, IRR). The reduction in the number of PUT (over 20 years) and train traffic delays (over 9 years) was also investigated by IRR, and by using three control groups. RESULTS After installation of PLF there was a significant ∼90% reduction in trespasses (IRR = 0.10, 95%CI 0.04-0.23; one-sided exact p < 0.0001). No PUT incident occurred at the intervention station after the installation, compared to 1.11 per year before installation (IRR = 0.32, 95%CI 0-1.82; one-sided exact p = 0.1216). There was a significant reduction in delay minutes post installation compared to before the installation (Mann Whitney U = 0, upper one-sided exact p = 0.0357). The effect of the PLF was also observable in comparison to the three control groups, suggesting that the preventive effect was not due to wider societal events affecting all stations. CONCLUSION PLF had a large effect on reducing the number of trespasses and the number of delay minutes due to trespasses and PUT incidents. PLF may also have an effect of reducing PUT incidents. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS PLF is deemed to be relatively easy and cheap to install and thus scalable (as compared to full barriers, e.g., platform screen doors) and may be considered at platform-ends having an exit, provided there is enough space to install them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Fredin-Knutzén
- National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill-Health (NASP), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Gergö Hadlaczky
- National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill-Health (NASP), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Marcus Sokolowski
- National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill-Health (NASP), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Zhang J, Liu F, Chen Z, Yu Z, Xiao X, Shi L, Guo Z. A multi-level analysis on the causes of train-pedestrian collisions in Southwest China 2011-2020. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2023; 193:107332. [PMID: 37801815 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2023.107332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Collisions between trains and pedestrians are the primary cause of railway casualties. However, there remains a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the underlying causes of this phenomenon. This study employs a multi-level approach to investigate the factors associated with the occurrence and severity of train-pedestrian collisions. The investigation is based on 2160 independent cases that occurred in southwest China from 2011 to 2020. Multiple contributing factors related to the victim, train, track, and socio-economic status of the surrounding district were examined, utilizing information from various sources. At the county level, several risk factors were identified in predicting the occurrence rate. These factors include higher population density and a greater number of normal-speed stations. However, the presence of high-speed train stations did not exhibit any significant impact. Additionally, the study found that regulations pertaining to protective fences were highly effective in reducing the occurrence rate. Regarding the prediction of collision severity, certain factors were found to increase the death rate. These factors include young men as victims, engaging in lying down or crossing behaviors, higher train speeds, gentle downhill slopes, lower education levels, and a higher proportion of the labor force. These findings emphasize the necessity of adopting a comprehensive perspective when examining the causes of train-pedestrian collisions. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of considering the notable differences between rapidly developing countries such as China and developed countries. Based on our findings, we also provide corresponding policy suggestions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fangyan Liu
- School of Transportation and Logistics, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Zhenqi Chen
- School of Transportation and Logistics, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Zhenhua Yu
- School of Transportation and Logistics, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Xingyao Xiao
- Berkeley School of Education, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Lei Shi
- School of Transportation and Logistics, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China; National Engineering Laboratory of Integrated Transportation Big Data Application Technology, Chengdu 611756, China; National United Engineering Laboratory of Integrated and Intelligent Transportation, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, China; Comprehensive Transportation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Zizheng Guo
- School of Transportation and Logistics, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China; National Engineering Laboratory of Integrated Transportation Big Data Application Technology, Chengdu 611756, China; National United Engineering Laboratory of Integrated and Intelligent Transportation, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, China; Comprehensive Transportation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610031, China.
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Clapperton A, Dwyer J, Spittal M, Pirkis J. The effectiveness of installing trackside fencing in preventing railway suicides: a pre-post study design in Victoria, Australia. Inj Prev 2023; 29:525-527. [PMID: 37580115 DOI: 10.1136/ip-2023-044897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Clapperton
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeremy Dwyer
- Coroners Prevention Unit, Coroners Court of Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew Spittal
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Moritz S, Nguyen C, Jelinek L, Borsutzky S, Scheunemann J, Hegerl U, Püschel K, Gallinat J. Behavioral and location-related antecedents of train suicides. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2023; 53:303-311. [PMID: 36714989 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the European Union, over 2000 suicides on railway premises were reported in 2020. Identifying individuals' behavioral and location patterns just before they die or attempt to die by train suicide (ITS) is critical for effective prevention of suicides by train. We conducted a naturalistic study using a newly developed instrument for the assessment of fatalities in rail traffic that used information from on-site video cameras. METHODS A total of 56 case files and surveillance recordings of ITS prior to their suicide or suicide attempt were compared to 46 surveillance recordings of matched regular train passengers (RTP) before they boarded their trains. Groups were compared on individuals' behavior as well as location and contextual parameters. RESULTS ITS performed unusual movement patterns more frequently, carried luggage less often, stayed on the platform longer, and let more trains pass relative to RTP. CONCLUSIONS If this study is replicated with a larger sample, artificial intelligence could be used to detect suspicious/unusual (movement) patterns in order to prevent train suicide. Social awareness campaigns that foster the identification of people in distress at train stations in combination with lower thresholds for the use of emergency devices on platforms may help to detect potential train suicides and reduce their incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Moritz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Celine Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lena Jelinek
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Swantje Borsutzky
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Scheunemann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Hegerl
- Johann Christian Senckenberg Distinguished Professorship, Department for Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Klaus Püschel
- Department of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center of Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Gallinat
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Amadasi A, Franceschetti L, Bolsi G, Mazzarelli D, Zoja R. The "mystery" of the train station: The importance of a forensic approach to a rare case of survival after a train-pedestrian collision. J Forensic Leg Med 2023; 95:102509. [PMID: 36933461 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
In the early morning a 28-year-old man was found lying on the tracks of a railway station with head injuries and fractures of the cervical spine resulting in permanent quadriplegia. He was in a club about 1 km away until about 2 h earlier and did not have any recollection of what could have happened. Was he the victim of an assault, did he fall down or was he hit by a passing train? The solution to this "mystery" came from a forensic evaluation that included the forensic branches of pathology, chemistry, merceology and genetics as well as the scene evaluation. Through these different steps, the role of a railway collision in determining the injuries was ascertained and a possible dynamic was postulated. The presented case is an expression of the importance of the different forensic disciplines and the difficulties the forensic pathologist encounters when analysing such peculiar and rare cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Amadasi
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Lorenzo Franceschetti
- Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giulia Bolsi
- Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Debora Mazzarelli
- Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Zoja
- Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
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Fredin-Knutzén J, Hadlaczky G, Andersson AL, Sokolowski M. A pilot study evaluating the effectiveness of preventing railway suicides by mid-track fencing, which restrict easy access to high-speed train tracks. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2022; 83:232-237. [PMID: 36481013 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2022.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicides in the railway system is a serious health, societal, and transportation concern. Restriction of the access to suicide methods in the form of different physical barriers is a promising approach for suicide prevention. METHOD Mid-track fencing, which is fencing placed in-between the high-speed and commuter train tracks, was installed at one out of seven stations along a train line outside of Stockholm in the years 2013/2014. The number of suicides at the intervention station was compared to six other stations used as controls, over a total period of 20 years (2002-2021). RESULTS Suicides at high-speed tracks occurring at stations was the major cause of death on the investigated railway line. Prior to the year 2014, the intervention and control stations displayed similar time trends in the number of suicides. After installation of the mid-track fencing in 2014, there was a 62.5% reduction in the rate of suicides occurring at the intervention station. Compared to the six other control stations, the intervention station displayed a significant reduction in the number of suicides during the years 2014-2021 (OR = 0.14, 95%CI 0.013-0.95). Suicides at the railway lines in-between stations were not increased post-intervention. However, nearby control stations showed a 162% increase in suicides after the intervention, suggesting the induction of transfer effects. CONCLUSION Mid-track fences restricting access to high-speed train tracks may have a large effect on reducing the number of railway suicides at intervention stations, but may also induce an increase in suicides at nearby stations without mid-track fences. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Partial physical barriers such as mid-track fencing is deemed to be relatively easy and cheap to install (as compared to full barriers; e.g., full height platform screen doors) and should be considered at all stations on railway lines that have high-speed trains passing by.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Fredin-Knutzén
- National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill-Health (NASP), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Gergö Hadlaczky
- National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill-Health (NASP), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna-Lena Andersson
- Swedish Transport Administration (STA), Kungsgatan 32, SE-461 30 Trollhättan, Sweden; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Department of Orthopedics, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marcus Sokolowski
- National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill-Health (NASP), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Characteristics of Train-Pedestrian Collisions in Southwest China, 2011-2020. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19106104. [PMID: 35627643 PMCID: PMC9142036 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although train-pedestrian collisions are the primary source of railway casualties, the characteristics of this phenomenon have not been fully investigated in China. This study examined such collisions in the Greater Sichuan-Chongqing area of China by conducting a thorough descriptive analysis of 2090 incident records from 2011 to 2020. The results showed that such collisions have declined gradually over the past decade, but the fatality rate remains high. We found that such collisions were more likely to happen to men, senior citizens and people crossing the tracks and that they occurred more frequently in the morning. While collision rates dropped in February, collisions were more likely to occur in December. In contrast to the situation in Western countries, weekends were not related to increased occurrence. The absence of a protective fence led to a higher collision rate, but level crossings are no longer a concern since most such structures in China have been rebuilt as overpasses. Mild slopes and extreme curvatures were also found to increase the occurrence of such collisions. Freight trains were most likely to be involved in train-pedestrian collisions, and collisions caused by high-speed trains were rare both absolutely and relatively. However, when collisions did occur, higher train speeds were linked with higher fatality rates. The findings suggest that patterns of train-pedestrian collisions in China differ from those in the Western world. This difference might be caused by differences in culture, geography, weather and railway development policies. Future research directions and possible preventive measures are also discussed.
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Gregor S, Beavan G, Culbert A, Kan John P, Ngo NV, Keating B, Sun R, Radwan I. Patterns of pre-crash behaviour in railway suicides and the effect of corridor fencing: a natural experiment in New South Wales. Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2019; 26:423-430. [PMID: 31480901 DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2019.1660376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Suicides on railway systems remain a significant concern world-wide. Understanding patterns of pre-crash behaviour, whether jumping, lying or wandering on tracks, is important for the design of preventative measures, yet prior studies have reported divergent patterns of behaviour. This study tested the hypothesis that higher standards of corridor fencing reduce the proportion of train suicides in the non-jumping category. Data was analyzed as a natural experiment for 171 cases of apparent railway suicides in New South Wales (NSW) for the period 2011-2018. Results were congruent with the hypothesis. A higher level of corridor fencing in metropolitan Sydney was associated with a lower proportion in the non-jumping category (33%) compared with regional areas (74%). The article contributes by showing that: (i) fencing appears to lead to a reduction in some types of rail suicides and thus; (ii) contributes to a lower overall rate of suicide by train; and (iii) even with fencing, the non-jumping incidents warrant attention for appropriate countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Gregor
- Research School of Management, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Gary Beavan
- Transport for NSW, Haymarket, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Priscilla Kan John
- Research School of Computer Science, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Nguyen Viet Ngo
- Research School of Management, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Byron Keating
- QUT Business School, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ruonan Sun
- Research School of Management, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Ibrahim Radwan
- Research School of Management, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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Ryan B. Developing a framework of behaviours before suicides at railway locations. ERGONOMICS 2018; 61:605-626. [PMID: 29137547 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2017.1401124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Better knowledge of behaviours of people at railway property could help with identifying those at risk of suicide. Literature has been reviewed from a range of disciplines on what is known about studying behaviour in this type of public location. Secondary analysis has been carried out on descriptions of behaviour from structured exercises with experts and other pre-existing sources. A framework has been produced with five main classes (display of emotion, appearance, posture/movements, activities and interactions) and associated sub-classes. Commentary has been provided on factors that influence identification of suspicious behaviours, how to distinguish these from normal behaviours and the circumstances that inhibit timely reactions to the behaviour amidst the complexity of the operational railway. Opportunities to develop and use the framework are discussed, including using this to prompt collection of additional behavioural data from wider resources, enhancing staff training and developing requirements for effective use of surveillance technologies. Practitioner Summary: Many railway suicides could be prevented with better understanding of behaviours before events. Pre-existing data sources have been analysed, producing a framework highlighting five aspects of behaviour. This can prompt the collection of better evidence on pre-suicidal behaviours, with future applications in developing surveillance technologies, training staff and public awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Ryan
- a Human Factors Research Group, Faculty of Engineering , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , UK
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Mishara BL, Bardon C, Dupont S. Can CCTV identify people in public transit stations who are at risk of attempting suicide? An analysis of CCTV video recordings of attempters and a comparative investigation. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:1245. [PMID: 27974046 PMCID: PMC5157080 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3888-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Suicides incur in all public transit systems which do not completely impede access to tracks. We conducted two studies to determine if we can reliably identify in stations people at risk of suicide in order to intervene in a timely manner. The first study analysed all CCTV recordings of suicide attempters in Montreal underground stations over 2 years to identify behaviours indicating suicide risk. The second study verified the potential of using those behaviours to discriminate attempters from other passengers in real time. Methods First study: Trained observers watched CCTV video recordings of 60 attempters, with 2–3 independent observers coding seven easily observable behaviours and five behaviours requiring interpretation (e.g. “strange behaviours,” “anxious behaviour”). Second study: We randomly mixed 63 five-minute CCTV recordings before an attempt with 56 recordings from the same cameras at the same time of day, and day of week, but when no suicide attempt was to occur. Thirty-three undergraduate students after only 10 min of instructions watched the recordings and indicated if they observed each of 13 behaviours identified in the First Study. Results First study: Fifty (83%) of attempters had easily observable behaviours potentially indicative of an impending attempt, and 37 (61%) had two or more of these behaviours. Forty-five (75%) had at least one behaviours requiring interpretation. Twenty-two witnesses attempted to intervene to stop the attempt, and 75% of attempters had behaviours indicating possible ambivalence (e.g. waiting for several trains to pass; trying to get out of the path of the train). Second study: Two behaviours, leaving an object on the platform and pacing back and forth from the yellow line (just before the edge of the platform), could identify 24% of attempters with no false positives. The other target behaviours were also present in non-attempters. However, having two or more of these behaviours indicated a likelihood of being at risk of attempting suicide. Conclusions We conclude that real time observations of CCTV monitors, automated computer monitoring of CCTV signals, and/or training of drivers and transit personnel on behavioural indications of suicide risk, may identify attempters with few false positives, and potentially save lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian L Mishara
- Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide and Euthanasia (CRISE), Psychology Department, Université du Québec à Montréal, CRISE-UQAM, C.P. 8888, Succ. Centre-ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3P8, Canada.
| | - Cécile Bardon
- Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide and Euthanasia (CRISE), Psychology Department, Université du Québec à Montréal, CRISE-UQAM, C.P. 8888, Succ. Centre-ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Serge Dupont
- Metro Network, Société des Transports de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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Havârneanu GM, Burkhardt JM, Silla A. Optimizing suicide and trespass prevention on railways: a problem-solving model from the RESTRAIL project. Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2016; 24:469-486. [DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2016.1232275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anne Silla
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Espoo, Finland
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Ceccato V, Uittenbogaard A. Suicides in commuting railway systems: The case of Stockholm county, Sweden. J Affect Disord 2016; 198:206-21. [PMID: 27018939 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.02.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to understand the spatial and temporal dynamics of suicides in commuting railway environments. Data on suicides in Stockholm commuting railway from 2006 to 2013 was analysed. The study sets out to identify significant clusters in suicides then evaluate whether commuting railway environments affect variations in suicide rates. Fieldwork inspection, spatial cluster techniques (NNHC and Getis-Ord statistics) and regression models underlie the methodology of study. Findings show no seasonality was observed in suicide cases, but winter months concentrate a larger share of events. Suicides do not occur evenly throughout the day but tend to take place more often in weekdays. Modelling findings shows that suicide rates increase with speed trains and decrease where barriers along tracks are installed. Although high speed trains are still a motive of concern for suicide prevention, findings call for a whole railway-approach to safety - one that extends maintenance beyond the platforms and stations' vicinities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vania Ceccato
- Housing and Safety Research Group, Department of Urban Planning and Environment, School of Architecture and the Built Environment (ABE), Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Drottning Kristinasväg, 30 10044 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Adriaan Uittenbogaard
- Housing and Safety Research Group, Department of Urban Planning and Environment, School of Architecture and the Built Environment (ABE), Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Drottning Kristinasväg, 30 10044 Stockholm, Sweden
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Individual and community factors for railway suicide: a matched case-control study in Victoria, Australia. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2016; 51:849-56. [PMID: 27028229 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-016-1212-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to simultaneously examine individual- and community-level factors associated with railway suicide. METHODS We performed a case-control study in Victoria, Australia between 2001 and 2012. Data on cases of railway suicide were obtained from the National Coronial Information System (a database of coronial investigations). Controls were living individuals randomly selected from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia study, matching to cases on age groups, sex and year of exposures. A conditional logistic regression model was used to assess the individual-level and community-level influences on individual odds of railway suicide, controlling for socioeconomic status. RESULTS Individual-level diagnosed mental illness increased railway suicide odds by six times [95 % confidence interval (CI) 4.5, 9.2]. Community-level factors such as living in an area with a presence of railway tracks [odds ratio (OR) 1.8, 95 % CI 1.2, 2.8], within a city (OR 3.2, 95 % CI 1.9, 5.4), and with a higher overall suicide rate (OR 1.02, 95 % CI 1.01, 1.04) were independently associated with greater individual odds of railway suicide compared to living in an area without a presence of railway tracks, outside a city, and with a relatively lower overall suicide rate. CONCLUSIONS The effects of mental illness and high incidence of overall suicides are prominent, but not specific on railway suicide. The effects of presence of railway tracks and city residence suggest the importance of accessibility to the railways for individual risk of railway suicide. Prevention efforts should focus on vulnerable people live in areas with easy access to the railways.
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Strale M, Krysinska K, Overmeiren GV, Andriessen K. Geographic distribution of suicide and railway suicide in Belgium, 2008-2013: a principal component analysis. Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2016; 24:232-244. [PMID: 27094517 DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2016.1166140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the geographic distribution of suicide and railway suicide in Belgium over 2008--2013 on local (i.e., district or arrondissement) level. There were differences in the regional distribution of suicide and railway suicides in Belgium over the study period. Principal component analysis identified three groups of correlations among population variables and socio-economic indicators, such as population density, unemployment, and age group distribution, on two components that helped explaining the variance of railway suicide at a local (arrondissement) level. This information is of particular importance to prevent suicides in high-risk areas on the Belgian railway network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Strale
- a Institut de Gestion de l'Environnement et d'Aménagement du Territoire (IGEAT-ULB), Université Libre de Bruxelles , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Karolina Krysinska
- b Centre of Research Excellence in Suicide Prevention , Black Dog Institute , Sydney , Australia
| | | | - Karl Andriessen
- d School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales , Randwick , Australia.,e Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
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Mishara BL, Bardon C. Systematic review of research on railway and urban transit system suicides. J Affect Disord 2016; 193:215-26. [PMID: 26773913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.12.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We critically review research on railway suicides to inform suicide prevention initiatives and future studies, including who is at risk and why, and behaviours at track locations. METHOD Literature was identified from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and our documentation centre, and contacting 71 railway companies, resulting in 716 articles and eight unpublished reports, with 94 having empirical data on 55 unique studies. Research quality was critically assessed. RESULTS The quality of studies varies greatly with frequent shortcomings: no justification of sample size, lacking information on the reliability and validity of measures, no explanation nor theoretical understanding of findings. Railway suicides resemble closely people who use other methods, although they tend to be younger. As with other suicide methods, mental health problems are likely to be present. Railway suicide attempters usually die, but most urban transportation systems attempters survive. Railway suicides are rarely impulsive; people usually go to the railway for the purpose of killing themselves. Hotspots have been the focus of some prevention measures. We know little about why people choose railway suicide, but studies of survivors suggest they often thought they would have an immediate, certain and painless death. Media reports on railway suicides can increase their incidence. CONCLUSIONS Most research focuses on the incidence and characteristics of events and attempters. Research has not shown that railway suicides are different from suicides by other means. Better quality research is needed, particularly studies that investigate why people use railways to kill themselves and how railway suicides can be effectively prevented, as well as more evaluations of prevention programmes. Because of significant variations by country and region in characteristics of railway suicides, prevention programmes should conduct a local assessment of the characteristics of attempters and incidents. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS We need more research on indicators of suicide risk in attempters on railway property, and studies of how suicidal people on railway property are prevented from suicide. Changing beliefs and attitudes about railway suicides, reducing media reports, offering help onsite, controlling access at hotspots and better staff training in mental health facilities near tracks are promising prevention strategies. However, local specificities must be considered in planning prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian L Mishara
- Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide and Euthanasia, Psychology Department, Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada.
| | - Cécile Bardon
- Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide and Euthanasia, Psychology Department, Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada
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Sousa S, Santos L, Dinis-Oliveira RJ, Magalhães T, Santos A. Pedestrian fatalities resulting from train-person collisions. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2014; 16:208-212. [PMID: 24761944 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2014.914181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Train-person collisions have a significant impact in our society, due to their negative economic and psychological effects. This work aims to study fatalities resulting from train-person collisions in Portugal. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted based on the analysis of autopsy reports related to train-person fatalities performed in the North Branch of the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences. RESULTS Suicide was responsible for most of the cases, and males were more often involved in train-person collisions than females. Victims, between 40 and 59 years old, were found to be involved in a high percentage (39%) of the cases, and people older than 65 accounted for a significant percentage (40%) of the accidents. No seasonality was observed in suicide cases, but a decrease in accident numbers was registered in summer. Regarding weekday and time of day, afternoon and non-rush hour were the times when most suicides were observed, whereas accidents did not showed a specific weekday or time of day, except for rush hour, during which they were more frequent. Alcohol-positive blood analysis accounting for 25% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS Differences from other European studies were found, which may be related to the different cultures of the countries/regions, as well as to the differences in the railway systems. More extensive studies must be performed in order to develop strategies to prevent train-person collisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio Sousa
- a Department of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine , University of Porto , Porto , Portugal
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