Toddler dances on tracks as oblivious father plays on phone while train is coming

While trains are pretty wonderful to get around the country on, there are instances when they can be pretty dangerous - especially when it comes to the misuse track crossings.

It is certainly not uncommon for train tracks to pass directly through town streets, leading to traffic on the road being stopped to allow a fast-approaching train to get by.

Unfortunately, with that comes many occasions where there have been close calls between the public and approaching trains, with some even losing their lives or sustaining serious injuries.

Whether it is teenagers messing about or totally oblivious parents with their children, some walk on train tracks not taking into account the obvious risk.

Now, Network Rail has released footage of people risking their own lives as they walk over footpath crossings in Worcestershire and the wider West Midlands region.

Network Rail

The hope from the owner of the railway network in the UK is that the video will warn others of the dangers of walking on railway tracks.

In the short video, Network Rail say the people risking their lives are just a handful of examples out of nearly 50 cases of misuse reported by train drivers or recorded by hidden cameras.

The one clip shows a number of gut wrenching examples, but the worst one of all is a man seen with two girls on the track. One of the girls is seen dancing on the track as the other tries to alert them to the fact that 'there is a train coming.'

All the while the main is standing there, completely oblivious and on his phone.

Alexandra France, Network Rail's level crossing safety manager, said: “In so many of the incidents filmed, the difference of just a few seconds could have led to tragedy for those involved.

"I can’t downplay the danger they were in – with serious injury or worse a huge possibility. No matter how well you think you know a crossing, all users must obey the rules around using level crossings every time they use it. It just really isn’t worth the risk."

Network Rail

Elsewhere the clip reveals other dangerous behaviour from passers by. One teenager can be seen doing press-ups in the middle of the crossing as loud music plays, while another instance shows two dog walkers seen slowly walking across the road as the horn of a fast-approaching train sounds.

In fact, the two individuals and the dog got to the other side just eight seconds before the fast train approached - certainly a close shave.

Another instance of dog walkers was recorded, this time with one of the walkers encouraging the dogs to sit down on the tracks while the other walker takes a picture of them.

A primary-aged school boy could also been seen rushing over the tracks on a scooter, just seven seconds before a train arrived in another clip.

While in another incident, two lads could be seen placing stones on the track so they could be run over by a train.

A level crossing really isn't the place to work on your build or get the dog to pose for a cheeky picture - be careful out there.