Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Campaign Launched
The Regional Railway Crossing Safety Campaign aims to raise awareness of safe driving behavior around regional railway crossings. It forms part of the $180.1 million Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Program – a national program aiming to improve safety at level crossings in regional areas.
Why is this important?
There are more than 23,000 railway level crossings in Australia. Of these, there are 2 types of crossings:
active crossings which have controls such as boom gates, bells and/or lights
passive crossings which have signs such as a stop or give way sign.
Seventy-nine per cent of railway level crossings in Australia are passive.
The campaign focuses on raising awareness of safe driving behaviours in regional areas, where the majority of crossings are passive and present a greater risk.
On average there are almost 1,000 near misses, 33 collisions and 3 fatalities recorded each year.
Given more rail and road infrastructure is developed to meet the needs of communities - it is essential that safety around regional railway crossings is front of mind for all drivers.
The audience
The campaign focuses on raising awareness among drivers who regularly cross regional railways including heavy vehicle drivers, drivers from regional communities, and drivers who regularly travel through regional areas.
Collisions and fatalities disproportionately impact regional communities, taking a toll on families and their broader communities, as well as disrupting the movement of crucial freight supplies.
Understanding the message
The campaign has been designed to raise awareness of safe driving behaviours when approaching and crossing regional railway crossings.
Everyone needs to be aware of the risks of regional railway crossings, even if they regularly drive the same route or are familiar with the railway crossings in their area.
Trains are fast and can take up to 2 km to stop.
Freight trains travel between 80 km/h and 160 km/h, with passenger trains up to 200 km/h.
The environment around regional crossings can also increase the risks for drivers. Vegetation, trees, dust or sun glare make it much harder for drivers to see an oncoming train.
Slow down. Look. Listen for Trains
That’s why it’s important for all drivers to slow down, look and listen for trains at regional railway crossings.
Slow down as you approach a railway crossing and be aware.
Slowing down gives you time to look for signage directions, to check your surroundings – and most importantly, to check for oncoming trains.
Be alert and listen for the sound of an oncoming train, and the sound of the train’s horn before crossing the tracks.