Sam Dudley was killed by a train at a level crossing while he was out running on August 24 last year – his phone was found to have been displaying a warning that his music was too loud
A man was struck by an oncoming train at a level crossing and died after his phone issued a warning, an inquest heard.
Sam Dudley was out running in Formby on the morning of August 24 last year when the tragedy unfolded at Hoggs Hill level crossing.
The 29-year-old was wearing headphones when he entered the crossing shortly before 11.07am. Before reaching the tracks, the site is fitted with signage and a traffic light system that shows red or green depending on whether a train is approaching.
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When a train nears the crossing, the light flashes red and klaxon sounds to warn pedestrians of the danger, Liverpool Echo reports.
CCTV footage shown at the inquest captured Sam running onto the track before appearing shocked as he realised a train was approaching. The footage showed him attempting to jump backwards moments before impact but it was too late.
An investigation found Sam had entered the track through the pedestrian gate while the red light was flashing and the klaxon was sounding. After the gate, further signage warns users of oncoming trains. When Sam’s phone was recovered, it was found to have been displaying a notification warning that his music volume was too loud.
A prevention of future deaths report, published on February 10 following the conclusion of the inquest on February 3, sets out the findings of senior coroner Anita Bhardwaj. The report states the crossing “was safe, compliant, and operating as designed” and confirms there “were no causal or contributory failings identified in the inspection, maintenance, or management of the crossing”.
Ms Bhardwaj concluded that the likely explanation was that Sam did not hear the warning signals because he was running while listening to loud music through his headphones.
She said: “It is more likely than not that Sam did not hear the klaxon because he was running whilst listening to loud music through his headphones… In all the circumstances it is more likely than not Sam was distracted, not fully attentive and proceeded onto the track.”
Despite finding no fault with the crossing itself, the senior coroner for Sefton, St Helens and Knowsley identified wider safety concerns around warning signage.
She noted that while signage exists once pedestrians pass through the gate, there is limited warning displayed directly on the gate which sits only a short distance from the critical “decision point” where users choose whether to continue.
In her report, Ms Bhardwaj said: “Nationally there is signage once individuals pass through the gate, but there is limited signage on the gate itself as people enter the walkway, only a short distance from the ‘decision point’.”
With more people wearing headphones they are less aware of their surroundings. Ms Bhardwaj suggested that clearer pictorial signage at the gate, such as an image of earphones crossed out, could improve awareness at the point people make a decision to cross.
She added that visual warnings often attract attention quickly, while sound cues create stronger emotional responses, and argued a combination of both could improve safety communication.
