‘RISKY BUSINESS’: TOO MANY CLOSE CALLS AT REGIONAL LEVEL CROSSINGS

LINK TO FOOTAGE: REGIONAL NEAR MISS (vimeo.com)

LINK TO GRABS: JIM BENSTEAD – REGIONAL NEAR MISS GRABS (vimeo.com)

More than 100 drivers, cyclists and pedestrians risked their lives in near misses with trains at level crossings in Regional Queensland in 2021, prompting Queensland Rail to warn of the dangers of this risky behaviour.

Queensland Rail Head of Regional Jim Benstead said that number was up on the previous year.

“There were 104 near misses in 2021, which is far too many.  It’s a significant increase on the 78 near misses we saw in 2020.  Every single one of these is avoidable if people do the right thing,” Mr Benstead said. 

“We are releasing this sobering new CCTV footage as a reminder to all motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to have their wits about them and stay safe around trains.
 
“Queensland Rail’s trains can move at up to 160 kilometres per hour – they can’t stop quickly and are unable to swerve, so the difference between near miss and tragedy can be a matter of just seconds. 
 
“Signs and signals are in place at level crossings for everybody’s safety. 

“Trying to beat the boom gates or pushing through pedestrian gates to save time isn’t worth the risk.  It can cost you your life.

“Not only is the behaviour terribly unsafe, it is illegal and can also be very traumatising for the driver of the train.

“Motorists caught ignoring railway crossing protection and damaging or obstructing level crossing infrastructure can be fined up to $1,102 and four demerit points, while pedestrians who ignore warning signals can be fined $275.”