RAIL-RELATED SUICIDES IN VICTORIA: ANALYSIS OF DATABASES AND LITERATURE REVIEW

The objectives of this study were firstly to describe the patterns of rail-related suicide in Victoria, as determined from available databases, and secondly to locate and review the relevant literature, noting any countermeasures, particularly where there was evidence of effectiveness. The literature review found there have been very few Australian studies and the international studies have mostly described underground systems. Few countermeasures were located, especially ones that had been evaluated. Factors at stations reported as having an effect include platform edge screen doors, emergency telephones, stop plungers, staff identifying potential suiciders and intervening and pits between rails. Other interventions include charging victimafetys families for disruption to the rail system and slowing down at high risk periods. Modifying the front of trains was suggested for the longer term. Appropriate potential countermeasures are slower speeds and additional fencing on the lines where openline suicides occur more frequently; staff training, video surveillance and emergency telephones to prevent platform suicides. (a)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0732617251
• Corporate Authors:

  Monash University

  Accident Research Centre
  Building 70
  Clayton, Victoria  Australia  3800
• Authors:
  • ROUTLEY, V
  • STAINES, C
  • HAWORTH, N
  • Symmons, M
• Publication Date: 2004-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 114 p.
• Serial:
  • Issue Number: 215

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crashes; Databases; Fatalities; Guardrails; Prevention; Railroad tracks; Railroad trains; Safety; Suicide
• ITRD Terms: 1643: Accident; 1661: Accident prevention; 8614: Database; 1602: Fatality; 1062: Railway track; 1665: Safety; 1686: Safety fence; 2146: Suicide; 1268: Train
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00978023
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• ISBN: 0-7326-1725-1
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Sep 3 2004 12:00AM