Latest news with #RailSafetyWeek
Scoop
a day ago
- Scoop
Almost Half Of New Zealanders Are Illegally Crossing Railway Tracks, Says Report
A new report commissioned by rail safety charity TrackSAFE has found that almost half of New Zealanders admit to walking on railway tracks without using a legal crossing. Forty-five per cent of those surveyed by AK Research said they had walked on or across railway tracks without using a designated railway level crossing, which is considered trespassing. Crossing railway tracks anywhere other than a level crossing, where the railway and road intersect, is unsafe and illegal. Under the Railways Act 2005, the only lawful place to cross tracks is at an official crossing point. Doing so elsewhere can carry fines of up to $10,000. TrackSAFE Foundation Manager Megan Drayton is deeply concerned by the response. 'Last year alone, KiwiRail staff reported 642 trespass incidents and of those, 60 were near misses with pedestrians,' she says. 'The unreported number is undoubtedly much higher.' According to the research, those who had walked on or across the railway tracks without using a level crossing mainly did so as they thought it was quicker, or because they did not think there was an official crossing nearby. Some also mentioned they did not think it was dangerous, or that they knew of others who did it. The new research highlights the importance of this year's rail safety campaign, launching in Parliament today at the start of Rail Safety Week. The campaign has a clear message to the public: 'Stay off, stay safe. Tracks are for trains.' 'Trespassing on railway property remains a persistent problem in New Zealand and worldwide,' says Ms Drayton. 'Where we face our greatest challenge is not just ignorance of the law, but a deeply ingrained complacency about the risks of trains.' 'Trains can appear at any time whether they are expected or not. They travel faster than they appear to and take much longer to stop than people realise.' KiwiRail Chief Executive Peter Reidy says we need to shift the narrative around rail safety to prevent tragedies. 'Every one of us has a role to play in preventing harm on our railway. Speak up when you see unsafe behaviour, model safe habits and advocate for better education, especially in communities where rail runs close to schools or homes.' Rail Safety Week is coordinated by KiwiRail and TrackSAFE in close partnership with NZTA Waka Kotahi, NZ Police, Auckland Transport, Auckland One Rail, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Transdev Wellington, councils and supporting organisations and schools throughout New Zealand.
ABC News
a day ago
- ABC News
Close call videos at Tasmanian rail crossings released in TasRail plea for safety
Near misses. Close calls. Narrow escapes. None of these phrases quite captures the recklessness of driving in front of a train. As TasRail boss Steven Dietrich said, "Locomotives do not apologise". This week is Rail Safety Week, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of trains and railway crossings. To mark the occasion, TasRail has shared several videos of cars — and one pedestrian — crossing tracks, despite a train bearing down on them. TasRail is urging drivers to be safer and more sensible around level crossings, but reported a "significant increase" in safety incidents in the past year. It says the number of documented incidents of people failing to give way to trains at level crossings has doubled to 137 in 2024-25. More than 80 of those were in the state's northwest. There were also two collisions between trains and other vehicles in the past year. Mr Deitrich said a tractor failed to give way to a train at Spreyton, and in another incident at Western Junction, a car collided with the side of a train. Train driver Jarrod Cook said his train collided with a truck at a level crossing 18 months ago, causing a derailment. "That's not something that I want to ever experience again," he said. "If I had one message for the public, that would be change your behaviour around level crossings. "Stop, take a few extra seconds. Look left, look right twice, and then proceed. Mr Dietrich said the story highlighted how driver behaviour can traumatise TasRail staff. "We all come to work expecting to be safe in our work environments," he said. "It's not different for a train driver or an infrastructure worker working on the rail network. He said that although this week is Rail Safety Week, rail safety should be practised "every minute, every second of the day". As well as the call for safer driving at level crossings, Mr Dietrich said TasRail had been granted $4 million from the federal government and $1 million from the state to improve safety at several level crossings. Most of the upgrades will occur at Ulverstone in the state's northwest, where five crossings will be improved. Three crossings will also have flashing stop signs installed, and road markings will be improved at some crossings to improve safety. He said boom gates at some level crossings may be considered in the future, but noted that they came with other risks. "Improving the technology that we've got available at the moment will go a long way to improving safety right through Ulverstone and Devonport," he said. Despite the upgrades, however, Mr Dietrich said it was incumbent on drivers to ensure they were abiding by road rules. "When you see the bells and whistles, please stop," he said. "There's only one party that has a choice, one user at that level crossing has a choice to make the right decision. Tasmania Police Acting Inspector Martin Parker reinforced Mr Dietrich's comments. "Inattention is one of the biggest factors in serious and fatal road incidents this year," he said. "The consequences can be very serious. Trains can't stop on a dime."
7NEWS
a day ago
- 7NEWS
Queensland Rail releases shocking footage of near misses, falls, and slips at train stations
Rail operators have released confronting footage of train station accidents. After a compilation of near misses, slips and falls, Queensland Rail is warning passengers to take transport safety seriously. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today The vision shows passengers rushing at closing doors, tripping in the gap between the platform and train, and in one case, falling onto the tracks. In the last financial year, there were 350 reported injuries on the South East Queensland network. Most of these accidents occurred at Brisbane Central, Roma Street and Fortitude Valley stations. This is a significant increase from last year, Queensland Rail General Manager of Security and Emergency Preparedness Drew Brock said. 'Railways aren't playgrounds, and there can be some tragic incidents that occur when people take unnecessary risks like going trackside,' he said. 'Our overhead line equipment carries nearly 30,000 volts of electricity, so do the right thing, keep yourself safe.' Brock described the recent footage as 'shocking'. To prevent future accidents, 'rubber fingers', a filler between the platform and train, are being installed in new stations, with plans to extend the upgrade across the network. Brock emphasised the importance of allowing time for travel and prioritising safety. 'Please don't rush to a train, because there will always be another train service.' He said Rail Safety Week campaigns have improved awareness, but risky behaviours such as phone distraction remain a concern. 'People are distracted by various things and that's why it's extra important when you're on the rail network to stay vigilant.' There is a possibility of a fine for misdemeanours or hazardous behaviour in train stations. 'Authorized officers who have power under transport legislation, and they can issue fines for certain behavioral offences,' Brock said. Passengers are encouraged to stay behind the yellow line, use the lifts if carrying heavy items, and hold children's hands.
Scoop
2 days ago
- General
- Scoop
Bay Of Plenty Students Lead The Way For Rail Safety Week 2025
Press Release – Tauranga City Council In the video, students showcase how to use the different real-life crossings found across the region, including those with bells, flashing lights and gates, those that rely on your eyes and ears, fenced maze crossings, and others that are a straight … Bay of Plenty students have come together to raise awareness about how to stay safe on the region's 86 railway level crossings, by always expecting the unexpected and watching out for trains. A new video campaign created by Travel Safe and featuring students from Tauranga Primary School, Mount Maunganui Primary School, Omanu School, Mount Maunganui Intermediate, Te Kura o Matapihi, Te Puna School and Otūmoetai Intermediate, highlights the importance of using designated crossings, removing distractions like headphones and always stopping, looking, listening, and hopping off your bike, scooter or skateboard before crossing. 'Not all crossings are the same,' says ex-train driver and current KiwiRail Senior Cultural Advisor and Chaplain Ricky Kuka. 'Some have bells, lights and gates, while others rely on signs and using your senses. But they all require your full attention. Don't try to race a train — they are faster and quieter than you think, and they can't stop quickly.' In the video, students showcase how to use the different real-life crossings found across the region, including those with bells, flashing lights and gates, those that rely on your eyes and ears, fenced maze crossings, and others that are a straight walk-through. It also includes practical safety tips for pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders. Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale says rail safety education is extremely important, especially given the number of different types of crossings in the Bay. 'Every encounter with our train tracks deserves our full attention. The tragic loss of Jorja-Ray Smith in our community two years ago is a heartbreaking reminder of why rail safety education must remain a priority — for everyone who uses our roads and footpaths.' Rail Safety Week, 11-17 August 2025, is a national initiative led by KiwiRail and TrackSAFE NZ, with support from transport partners and local councils across Aotearoa. Held every August, it aims to reduce rail-related incidents and encourage safe behaviour around trains and tracks. This year's theme, 'Stay Off, Stay Safe', highlights the serious dangers of trespassing in the rail corridor and urges people to stay clear of railway lines. Travel Safe delivers road safety education across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty, with an annual focus on rail safety awareness week.
Scoop
2 days ago
- General
- Scoop
Bay Of Plenty Students Lead The Way For Rail Safety Week 2025
Press Release – Tauranga City Council In the video, students showcase how to use the different real-life crossings found across the region, including those with bells, flashing lights and gates, those that rely on your eyes and ears, fenced maze crossings, and others that are a straight … Bay of Plenty students have come together to raise awareness about how to stay safe on the region's 86 railway level crossings, by always expecting the unexpected and watching out for trains. A new video campaign created by Travel Safe and featuring students from Tauranga Primary School, Mount Maunganui Primary School, Omanu School, Mount Maunganui Intermediate, Te Kura o Matapihi, Te Puna School and Otūmoetai Intermediate, highlights the importance of using designated crossings, removing distractions like headphones and always stopping, looking, listening, and hopping off your bike, scooter or skateboard before crossing. 'Not all crossings are the same,' says ex-train driver and current KiwiRail Senior Cultural Advisor and Chaplain Ricky Kuka. 'Some have bells, lights and gates, while others rely on signs and using your senses. But they all require your full attention. Don't try to race a train — they are faster and quieter than you think, and they can't stop quickly.' In the video, students showcase how to use the different real-life crossings found across the region, including those with bells, flashing lights and gates, those that rely on your eyes and ears, fenced maze crossings, and others that are a straight walk-through. It also includes practical safety tips for pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders. Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale says rail safety education is extremely important, especially given the number of different types of crossings in the Bay. 'Every encounter with our train tracks deserves our full attention. The tragic loss of Jorja-Ray Smith in our community two years ago is a heartbreaking reminder of why rail safety education must remain a priority — for everyone who uses our roads and footpaths.' Rail Safety Week, 11-17 August 2025, is a national initiative led by KiwiRail and TrackSAFE NZ, with support from transport partners and local councils across Aotearoa. Held every August, it aims to reduce rail-related incidents and encourage safe behaviour around trains and tracks. This year's theme, 'Stay Off, Stay Safe', highlights the serious dangers of trespassing in the rail corridor and urges people to stay clear of railway lines. Travel Safe delivers road safety education across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty, with an annual focus on rail safety awareness week.
