In the last year,
there have been 323
near misses with trains.

In the last year, there have been
323 near misses with trains.

In the last year there were 323 near misses with trains at railway crossings involving cars and pedestrians. No matter how harmless they can appear, every incident leaves an emotional impact on the train driver. Watch Fletcher’s story to see the impact just one incident can have and explore the Near Miss Memorials.

Jeremy, KiwiRail Locomotive Engineer

About rail safety week

For the second year in a row Rail Safety Week is drawing attention to near misses at railway crossings by creating Near Miss Memorials, which aim to remember the close calls most have forgotten, except for train drivers. For them every incident leaves an emotional impact which not only affects their work but also their personal and family lives.

Since June 2019, there were 323 near misses with trains at railway crossings involving cars and pedestrians. Please cross with care.

WHAT IS RAIL SAFETY WEEK?

Rail Safety Week is an annual event by KiwiRail and TrackSAFE NZ, with support from NZ Police, NZ Transport Agency, Auckland Transport, Transdev Auckland, Transdev Wellington, Greater Wellington Regional Council and other councils and organisations around the country.

Rail Safety Week runs from August 10 – 16.

CONTACT OUR MEDIA TEAM:

If you have a media enquiry about Rail Safety Week 2020, please contact KiwiRail’s media team on:

04 498 2038 [email protected]

Cross with care

Trains can appear at any time, from either direction.

DRIVERS:

Take extreme care when driving over a railway level crossing.

Obey the warning signs and look carefully in both directions for trains. Listen, be aware and pay careful attention to your surroundings. Always ensure there is space on the other side of the crossing for your vehicle.

When approaching a level crossing where lights and bells are operating, or barrier arms are lowered or have started to come down,
you must:

Approach every rail crossing with caution.
Listen for warning bells.
Before crossing ensure there is space for your vehicle on the other side.
Look carefully in both directions before entering the crossing.
If warning lights are flashing, bells are sounding or the barrier arm is down, stop your vehicle completely and wait for the train to pass.
Wait for the lights to stop flashing and the barrier arms to lift before moving again.
At level crossings controlled by a ‘Give Way’ or ‘Stop’ sign, be prepared to stop completely and look both ways before entering.

PEDESTRIANS:

Only cross a railway track at a formed pedestrian crossing.
If wearing headphones, remove them and listen out for bells.
Take the time to stop fully and look both ways before entering the crossing.
If lights are flashing or bells are ringing this means a train is approaching.
If you can see a train at all, stop and wait. They appear slow but are moving very fast.

Get more safety information at tracksafe.co.nz