Olympic Hurdler Takes On Train In Rail Safety Ad

[John Ashworth]

Olympic Hurdler Takes On Train In Rail Safety Ad

Andy Scofield | Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 11:00AM | Meme Machine

Running across a railway track is a dangerous move. But just in case you still needed convincing, this new safety ad from Network Rail, which features an Olympic athlete running for his life, gives a rather graphic demonstration.

It stars Dai Greene, a 400m World Champion hurdler who can cover the distance in just 47 seconds. But could he outrun a speeding train travelling at 80mph?

Track Test puts one of Team GB's fastest athletes to the test. He must cross 300 metres of tracks, trip hazards and loose gravel to cross the finish line before he's caught by a projection of a high-speed train.

Greene passes the test with ease in his first attempt, but as the simulation become more realistic, it becomes more difficult. The final test is done at night, in the rain and with distracting noises to put him off. He doesn't stand a chance. Greene slips on the wet gravel and disappears under the train's wheels.

The shocking sequence is presented with cinematic flair that ramps up the tension and make the lethal consequences seem even more dramatic.

The ad, by M&C Saatchi, has pulled in over a 110 views in its first 24 hours. With a combination of an Olympic athlete and a powerful message, the ad has won attention from national news networks in the UK.

The ad is targeted at young men, the group most likely to take risky shortcuts over railway lines. Many of the 200 people killed by trains in the last 5 years were fit young men who thought they were fit enough to outrun any danger.

The message in this ad is all too clear: if one of the country's fastest men can't outrun a train, how could you?