Stop for Trains & Trams: Some things are worth waiting for!

All pedestrians and motorists are reminded of the dangers of inattention, trespassing on rail lines and crossing against lights during National Rail Safety Week.

It is generally a combination of inattention, impatience, poor decision making and at times, reckless behaviour by some who put their lives at risk.

Be aware:

• trains and trams travel in both directions
• trains and trams can be on any respective line, at any time
• trains and trams are deceptively fast and quiet
• trains and trams cannot swerve to avoid you
• trains and trams can take a long distance to stop. They cannot stop suddenly.

Never attempt to race trains at level crossings or take shortcuts along railway tracks—trains CANNOT stop quickly or swerve to avoid you!

The reality is stepping in front of a train is like stepping in front of 1000 horses.

And never queue over a level crossing. Not for any reason. Ever. Drivers should ensure that there is a full vehicle length between their vehicle and the one in front of them before they drive across a level crossing.

When crossing train or tram tracks, always:

• wait until the lights and bells stop and the boom gates go up. 
• wheelchairs, prams and strollers should always cross the rails at right angles to the track so that the wheels don’t get trapped.
• bikes, rollerblades, skates or skateboards must be walked or carried on station platforms, on the ramps leading up to platforms, through pedestrian mazes, while crossing rail lines, in overpasses or underpasses
• it is illegal to climb down onto tracks or walk on rail tracks at any time, except when you are crossing the tracks at a designated crossing place or a pedestrian maze.

In 2010 more than 800 near-misses with vehicles or pedestrians at a level crossing were recorded acrossAustralia. Each near miss is a potential catastrophe.

This alarming number illustrates that every day pedestrians, cyclists and motorists have been just seconds away from tragedy.

Near-collisions, or in the worst case, actual collisions, affect all involved. This includes train drivers and rail employees, those who witness the near-miss / incident, and of course the individual and their family and friends and the wider community.

STOP FOR TRAINS AND TRAMS – SOME THINGS ARE WORTH WAITING FOR!