YOUR life is never the same again.

That’s the reality for train drivers who have to deal with what they fear the most – hitting a human being.

Three people have been struck by trains in Dorset in the past month – including two this week – and today drivers’ unions reveal the cost to those who have to cope with the effects of such horrific incidents.

Whether the people involved deliberately put themselves in harm’s way or not, the effect is the same for drivers.

Simon Weller, national organiser for the Aslef drivers’ union, said: “Unfortunately for us it’s an industrial injury – because it’s something we have no control over – and it happens.

“It’s a daily occurrence for us. Some train drivers never work again and others deal with it and move on. Whatever happens, your life is never the same again.

“The ones that are the most crushing are the ones that are accidents.”

On Thursday, a local man, who has not yet been identified, was killed when he was hit by a train at Pokesdown.

The day before, a woman was struck at the Keysworth crossing at Sandford, near Wareham, leaving her in a serious condition in hospital.

Last month, a man was also left with serious injuries after being struck by a train at Poole station.

Only last Wednesday the Daily Echo reported the story of a Poole mum who added her voice to a campaign over the dangers of crossings after her 16-year-old son was killed at Hamworthy in 2007.

A spokesman for the RMT union said: “In some cases it can be life-changing.

“There have been incidents where it has a really long-term impact on people’s ability to function, and the impact should never be underestimated.

“We’re trying to make sure that there are proper care packages put in place and proper assessment of people’s needs as a result of the trauma that’s created by these incidents.”

A British Transport Police spokesman added: “Incidents such as this can be very traumatic for the train drivers involved.”

l If you need someone to talk to, call the Samaritans on 08457 909090 or email jo@samaritans.org. Mind, the national association for mental health, can be contacted on 0845 766 0163.