by Martin Jefferies

Dangerous drivers and foolish pedestrians have diced with death on Thanet's level crossings three times this year, according to Network Rail.

The incidents made up a third of all 'near misses' in the county and included potential disasters at Chandlers, Birchington, in March; Cut End, between Minster and Sturry, in August; and Simmonds, Minnis Bay, also in August.

Around the country, seven people lost their lives at level crossings in the first eight months of 2009, while a further five died in September. CCTV cameras have captured many more miraculous escapes, like the one above in Buckinghamshire.

The startling statistics were released on the same day Network Rail outlined the ten worst excuses given to staff for flouting the law at rail junctions. Incredibly, they include:

• "I thought that the train driver was giving way to me when he sounded his horn"
• "I thought the train would slow down to let me through"
• and "The sat-nav told me to turn left so I just kept going"

The company, which operates Britain's entire rail infrastructure, has launched its autumn 'Don't Run The Risk' campaign in a bid to raise awareness of the dangers of jumping lights or weaving round barriers in order to save a few seconds.

Iain Coucher, chief executive of Network Rail, said: "The rules around level crossings are clear and simple. When the lights flash or the barriers are down, don't cross because a train is approaching. Signs asking users to stop, look and listen or reminding you to contact the signaller before crossing are clear and must be followed.

“We understand that people have busy lives and waiting can be frustrating. Our campaign asks: would it kill you to wait? Sadly, we know that not waiting can result in tragedy and there's no excuse for that."

Network Rail plans to delivers its safety message through a series of hard-hitting television and radio commercials, which will air throughout October.