Suicide on Railway Networks: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention

This article reports on a study that reviewed the international literature on the incidence of suicide on railway networks, described the risk factors associated with it, and examined existing prevention practices. The authors searched Medline and PsycINFO for the period 1966-2007, identifying 30 original studies, published in English, on the epidemiology of rail suicide, as well as peer-reviewed articles on risk factors and prevention of rail suicide. The study did not include forensic pathology case studies of rail suicide deaths. The data showed that, internationally, suicide by collision with a train accounted for 1 to 12% of all suicides, with up to 94% of all attempts resulting in death. One section considers how suicide by train seriously affects not only survivors, but also train drivers and bystanders. Correlations between the density of rail network, number of passengers and number of suicides by train have been found. Conflicting data exist on gender ratio of this type of suicide, although male preponderance of nearly 3 to 1 is common. Studies agree that young adults (20-40 years of age) are the most frequent victims of rail suicide. Documented psychiatric diagnoses were found in up to 83% of cases. Mid-seasonal peaks were also identified, with events occurring mostly during late morning and early afternoon. The authors focus on effective suicide prevention practices, noting that limited evidence is available to support or refute these practices. Successful examples are represented by pits and sliding door systems (Singapore Mass Rapid Transit System) and responsible media reporting (Viennese Subway). The authors conclude that close cooperation between railway companies and mental and public health services will be necessary for effective prevention strategies.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00048674
• Authors:
  • DeLeo, Diego
  • Krysinska, Karolina
• Publication Date: 2008-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 763-771
• Serial:
  • Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
  • Volume: 42
  • Issue Number: 9
  • Publisher: Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
  • ISSN: 0004-8674

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Age; Alcohol use; Blood alcohol levels; Demographics; Epidemiology; Fatalities; Gender; Injury severity; Prevention; Psychological aspects; Railroads; Risk assessment; Suicide
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01113969
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 29 2008 10:14AM