Danger to life on tracks: Police warn of illegal trails!

Danger to life on tracks: Police warn of illegal trails!

In the city of Soltau, in the Heidekreis district, a sensational topic is causing heated discussions. The federal police have discovered two unauthorized level crossings, the so-called “wild crossings”, which lead over the tracks of the Walsrode-Buchholz railway line. These trails, which are about 100 meters apart, connect two new development areas and represent a massive source of danger for everyone who uses them. As ndr.de reports, crossing train tracks outside of approved crossings - such as bridges or tunnels - not only poses a high risk to life, but is also an administrative offense.

As the Bremen Federal Police Inspectorate announced on June 26, 2025, these dangerous rest areas in the Soltau city area were discovered by patrol officers. Police warn that trains in this section travel at up to 120 km/h and have braking distances of up to 1,000 meters, making it difficult for train drivers to react in a timely manner. Of particular concern is the risk of an undertow that can sweep away people near the tracks. These dangers are often more difficult for children and young people to understand because they often underestimate these risks.

Increased police presence and awareness

The federal police have already announced that they will increase patrol activity at these danger spots in the coming days. In addition, the campaign “Be safe on the road!” was launched to provide information about the dangers and appropriate behavior on railway systems. It is urgently pointed out that entering railway tracks is strictly prohibited unless it happens at approved crossings. According to bundespolizei.de, it is particularly important to pay attention to the dangers of distractions, such as when using smartphones.

The police are calling on parents, teachers and educational institutions to make young people aware of the risks. Especially in the warm season, when many people enjoy their free time outdoors, the number of people who are on railway facilities without authorization increases. But on the tracks there is no double coverage for risks; Every wrong step counts here.

Investing in security

Deutsche Bahn is also currently investing in new security measures that are intended to reduce the dangers for unauthorized persons and passengers. A sum of three million euros will go into new half-barriers, which will ensure better protective measures at the crossings in the future. However, it remains essential that people are made aware of the dangers on the platform and along the tracks. Despite all the measures, unauthorized access to the tracks is and remains a serious administrative offense that can be punished with both fines and as a dangerous interference with rail traffic, as finally presseportal.de emphasizes.

The situation in Soltau is an urgent call for caution. Crossing the tracks can have fatal consequences. So let's pay careful attention to the rules and protect not only ourselves, but also the youngest among us from unnecessary risks and dangers.