Did you know a $300 on the spot fine, or a $2,000 court imposed fine, can apply to motorists who stop on a level crossing?
Queensland Rail is calling for extra care and attention to be taken at level crossings across the state, with added traffic on the roads during school drop off and pick up times.
Queensland Rail Chief Safety and Environment Officer Greg Ford said the importance of being vigilant at level crossings was crucial, and reminded drivers with school children in their cars to take care and remain focussed near train tracks.
“There are more cars on the road with parents and carers doing morning and afternoon school runs, so we need everyone to be extra careful as they approach level crossings to ensure motorists aren’t queuing across train tracks,” Mr Ford said.
“It’s easy to get distracted or be in a hurry on the way to school, but taking risks near train tracks and level crossings is just not worth it.
“Almost all level crossing incidents occur from user misuse or error – whether it’s deliberate or accidental, the risks are the same.
“We’ve had some reports recently of motorists queuing across level crossings, hoping the traffic ahead would clear before the lights turn red or before a train approaches.
“This behaviour is dangerous and foolish, and I urge you to avoid tragedy and simply follow the rules.
“We often wonder if the people who choose to ignore level crossing protection actually understand the dangers and the consequences of being hit by a train.
“Boom gates, flashing lights and signage are there for a reason – to protect lives when a train is coming. If someone chooses to ignore them, despite all the warnings, they could lose their life or cause the death of someone else.”
With a renewed focus on level crossing safety, Queensland Rail is investing heavily in education, engineering upgrades, and works closely with the police on enforcement, efforts of which have resulted in a reduction in incidents across the state.
“Next time you approach a level crossing, I ask you to consider what you would be leaving behind if you took a risk and didn’t make it – what would you miss?”.