Hooking is not just a game, but a deadly danger!

Police urge caution: since the beginning of the year, 8 cases of zacheping have already occurred in Ukraine, resulting in 9 children being injured. For the sake of a few seconds of extreme sports or videos, teenagers are risking their lives! But it is important to remember that an electric shock, a fall from a height, or a collision with obstacles may not give a second chance.

What is hooking?

Hitchhiking, or hitchhiking, is an extremely dangerous way to travel on trains, trams, subways, or electric trains. People who put themselves at risk often try to film their journey in order to share the video or photos on social media.

Those who engage in this extreme activity often call themselves "train surfers" or "train surfers" (when referring to train travel).

Hook-ups put their lives at risk by riding on the back of a tail car, the front of a head car, or the locomotive. Some may cling to the side of the car, to doors, mirrors, or windows. These actions put people at risk of serious injury or death from falling, electrocution, or collisions with obstacles. Hook-ups may seem exciting to those seeking an adrenaline rush, but it is worth remembering that such extreme rides can have fatal consequences.

Why hooking up is not cool, but deadly dangerous?

1. Electric current. Voltages of up to 27 volts are a potentially lethal source of energy. Even if you don't touch the wires, an electric shock can occur instantly, causing serious injury or death.

2. Fall from a height. In the case of falling from a moving train or vehicle, one sudden movement is enough to change your life forever. A fall from a great height can lead to serious injuries or even death.

3. Collision with obstacles. At speeds between 60 and 100 km/h, collisions with bridges, tunnels or pylons are almost always fatal. It is impossible to avoid these dangers in time at such speeds.

Source: freepik

A scary incident at the Kyiv-Volynskyi station

On March 13, 2025, a tragic incident occurred at the Kyiv-Volynskyi station, which once again reminds us of the deadly danger of electric shock. A 12-year-old teenager climbed onto a train car and received an electric shock, as a result of which he caught fire. The boy was hospitalized in intensive care, where after several days of fighting for his life, he died. His kidneys failed, and he also had serious problems with blood pressure. This is another tragic example of why being involved in such an extreme sport can have fatal consequences.

Zacheping: what punishment is threatened?

In Ukraine, a fine of 7 to 15 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens (from 119 to 255 UAH) is imposed for engaging in embezzlement on public railway transport in accordance with Article 109 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses.

Fines for hitchhiking on trams and trackless transport on public roads are determined in accordance with regional administrative codes.

In Ukrainian metros, train surfing is considered unauthorized entry into facilities that are production facilities (in particular tunnels), and is subject to a fine. The amount of the fine is also regulated by regional codes of administrative offenses.

Source: freepik

What should you do if you notice a person on a carriage or footboard of a transport?

1. Report this immediately. to the station attendant or railway employees.

2. Make a phone call to the Ukrzaliznytsia hotline: 0 800 503 111 (free of charge).

3. Call the National Police (102) or Rescuers (101)

4. Remember the location of the eventto provide accurate information to services.

Parents, your attention can save lives!

• Talk to teenagers about the danger of hooking.

• Monitor their content on social media – extreme videos can encourage risky behavior with fatal consequences.

• Be attentive to children's new hobbies - a fascination with transportation or extreme videos may be a signal that the child is being influenced.

Source: freepik

Teenagers, think about it!

• Likes on social media aren't worth risking your life for.

• If your friends offer to hook up, say no!

• If you see someone planning such a dangerous trip, don't stay silent! Tell an adult or call 102. Your vigilance could save someone's life!

Source: Vasyl Bohdan
National Police of Ukraine
MIA Ukraine
Juvenile Police of Ukraine