A runner listening to music on his headphones was killed by a train on a level crossing, an inquest heard.
Sam Dudley, 29, was out jogging in the small town of Formby, Merseyside, on the morning of August 24 last year.
He was listening to music loudly on his phone through his earphones as he came up to the level crossing known locally as Hoggs Hill. Before the level crossing's entrance, there is a traffic light system and signs to warn of oncoming trains.
When a train approaches the crossing, the light flashes red and a klaxon sounds.
That morning, the light did flash and the alarm did ring to warn of the train about to run through the crossing, but Mr Dudley missed these warnings, unable to hear them over the music in his earphones.
He ran onto the track at 11.07am. CCTV showed Mr Dudley appear immediate shocked in the middle of the tracks when he sees the train.
He tried to jump backwards, but it was too late. The train ran into him, and he was killed.
When Mr Dudley's phone was recovered, it had been showing a warning that his music was too loud.
Senior coroner Anita Bhardwaj said while the crossing met safety regulations, there should have been signage warning of trains on the gate itself as more people wear headphones
An investigation for the inquest found Mr Dudley had got onto the tracks using the pedestrian gate while the red light and klaxon were on. There is further signage warning of oncoming trains a prevention of future death report said, published on February 10 after his inquest concluded on February 3.
Senior coroner Anita Bhardwaj said in the report that the 'crossing was safe, compliant, and operating as designed' and there 'were no causal or contributory failings identified in the inspection, maintenance, or management of the crossing'.
Ms Bhardwaj 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.'
Though the coroner did still take issue with some safety details.
She 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".
'Increasingly, more people wear earphones and are therefore less aware of their surroundings. Introducing clear pictorial signage on the gate, before individuals enter the "decision point" area, such as an image of earphones with a line through them, may help alert users at the right moment.
'Visual cues generally attract initial attention more effectively and support rapid comprehension, while sound cues tend to create a stronger emotional connection.
'However, using both visual and auditory cues may together provide a more effective form of communication.'
