Trespass Awareness Day (TRESPAD) and International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) are two global safety campaigns led by UIC, united by a common goal: to improve safety, save lives, and raise awareness of the risks associated with rail trespass and level crossings. These initiatives bring together countries from around the world in a shared mission.
Together, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a safer rail environment for all – through collaboration, innovation, and education.
The theme of both the ILCAD and TRESPAD launch conferences was “Helping people make good decisions” with the slogan “Safe decisions – every time”.
ILCAD 2025: A truly global commitment to level crossing safety
In 2025, once again, around 50 countries took part in the International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) campaign to raise public awareness of the potential dangers at level crossings. Since 2022, the campaign has also expanded its communication efforts to include the risks of trespassing on railway tracks.
ILCAD 2025 Participants List
Campaign activities worldwide
The participating countries each had their own activities during ILCAD and TRESPAD, depending on their human and financial resources. For example, to support these efforts, UIC published two awareness videos on YouTube – one for ILCAD and one for TRESPAD. These were translated into several languages and shared globally on different social media channels and company websites, as well as during press events and educational sessions.
Watch the videos:
Highlights from ILCAD 2025
Some of the different initiatives from around the world are given below:
1. In Croatia, Croation Railways (HŽ) Infrastructure marked ILCAD with educational sessions at crossings, and also unveiled a completely renovated pedestrian underpass at Zagreb Main Station, featuring artwork by street artist Jure Ereš. The artwork was inspired by the long-running campaign: the “Train Is Always Faster”, now celebrating its 25th year, and aims to teach children how to stay safe near tracks.
2. In Portugal, Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) joined forces with the National Repblican Guard for on-site awareness work at various level crossings in the country. Please see https://www.infraestruturasdeportugal.pt/pt-pt/dia-internacional-para-seguranca-em-passagens-de-nivel-2025 for more information.
3. In Greece, the Road Safety Institute (RSI) “Panos Mylonas” in cooperation with Hellenic Railways and railway regulators, used the translated ILCAD videos and posters for awareness raising events.
4. In Luxembourg, CFL also produced a new awareness video and distributed safety flyers at level crossings. For ILCAD, CFL worked together with the Luxembourg Police to conduct an outreach campaign in Lintgen. They reminded motorists, pedestrians and cyclists how to behave safely at level crossings in the area. The information given included:
- Red means stop. Don’t take any risks. Stop as soon as the red lights start flashing.
- A train’s braking distance can be up to 1,200 metres. 🚆
- Watch CFL’s Awareness Video
- LinkedIn Post from CFL
5. In Bolivia, the Bolivian Railways reminded the public to STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN before crossing the tracks, emphasising that “your life is worth more than beating the train”. This included information such as:
Watch out when crossing the tracks!
During International Level Crossing Awareness Day, we remind you of the importance of obeying signs and acting responsibly when approaching a railway crossing.
- STOP, LOOK and LISTEN before crossing.
- Don’t try to beat the train. Your life is worth more!
- If you are walking or cycling, cross only at designated crossings.
https://youtube.com/shorts/mNFCdAkuf7A?feature=share
6. In South Africa, the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR), together with Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM), the South African Police Service (SAPS-CPF), the Correctional Services, and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), conducted safety operations at the Rondebult Level Crossing, a known high-risk location. The campaign also went to the Rondebult Primary School, emphasising that “safety starts young”.
7. In Mongolia, the Ulaanbaatar Railways (UBTZ) carried out awareness raising activities at key locations to educate both pedestrians and drivers on railway safety.
UBTZ Mongolia
These efforts exemplify how global cooperation, local engagement, and creative approaches can help reduce accidents, raise awareness, and ultimately save lives. If you need a summarised version, visual infographic, or a translation into French or another language, feel free to ask!
Save the dates!
We are pleased to announce the following upcoming international railway safety events:
5th Edition of Trespass Awareness Day (TRESPAD)
Wednesday, 3 June 2026
18th Edition of International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD)
Thursday, 4 June 2026
The location of both campaign launch conferences will be communicated soon
