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

The police urge caution: since the beginning of the year, there have already been 8 cases of molestation in Ukraine, as a result of which 9 children were injured. For the sake of a few seconds of extreme or video, teenagers risk 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?

Zacheping, or zacheperstvo, is an extremely dangerous way of moving on wagons, trains, trams, subways, or electric trains. People who put themselves at risk often ask to film their trip in order to share videos or photos on social networks.

Those who engage in this extreme type of activity often call themselves "train surfers" or "train surfers" (when it comes to train rides).

Catchers risk their lives when they ride on the rear end of the tail car, on the front end of the main car or locomotive. Some may cling to the side of the car by doors, mirrors or windows. These actions put people at risk of serious injury or death from falling, electric shock, or collision with obstacles. Hooking seems exciting for those who crave adrenaline, but it is worth remembering: such extreme trips can have fatal consequences.

Why is hooking not cool, but deadly?

1. Electricity. A voltage of up to 27 volts is a potentially deadly source of energy. Even if the wires do not touch, an electric shock can occur instantly, causing serious injury or death.

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

3. Collision with obstacles. At a speed of 60 to 100 km/h, a collision with bridges, tunnels or pillars is almost always fatal. It is impossible to avoid these dangers in time at these speeds.

Source: freepik

A terrible incident at the station "Kyiv-Volynskyi"

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

Zateping: what is the punishment?

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

Fines for hitching trams and railless transport on public roads are determined according to regional administrative codes.

In the subways of Ukraine, train surfing is considered unauthorized entry into objects that are production premises (in particular, tunnels), and a fine is imposed for this. The amount of the fine is also regulated by regional codes on administrative offenses.

Source: freepik

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

1. Report it immediately station attendant or railway workers.

2. Call to the Ukrzaliznytsia hotline: 0 800 503 111 (free of charge).

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

4. Remember the place of the incidentto provide accurate information to the services.

Parents, your attention can save a life!

• Talk to teenagers about the danger of entrapment.

• Control their content on social networks — extreme videos can lead to fatal risks.

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

Source: freepik

Teenagers, think!

• Likes on social networks are not worth putting your life on the line.

• If your friends offer hooking up, say no!

• If you see that someone is planning such a dangerous trip, do not be silent! Notify an adult or call 102. Your vigilance can save someone's life!

Source: Vasyl Bohdan
National Police of Ukraine
Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
Youth Police of Ukraine