ProRail halts 'Victim Fashion' campaign after criticism

On Monday ProRail halted a controversial awareness campaign, called Victim Fashion - Created By Accident, just four days after launching it. According to the rail manager, the goal of the campaign - making young people aware that they should be careful around the tracks - has been achieved.

The campaign consisted of photos showing the tattered clothing of victims of railway accidents. It received a large deal of criticism, from NS, union FNV, and the relatives of victims, among others, according to NU.nl.

In a statement released on Monday, ProRail said that it is aware of the intensity of the campaign. "The number of fatal accidents on and around the tracks due to inattention is increasing. That is why we wanted to wake young people up", the company said. "We opted for an impactful and realistic approach to penetrate into the environment of this difficult to reach target group. Intended to hit them and save lives."

According to ProRail, the campaign evoked a lot of support, criticism and emotion. "We do not ignore the feelings of relatives, drivers and conductors. Thanks to these discussions, the subject is perhaps more alive than ever."