Link to CCTV
Link to campaign video
Link to Video News Release
Queensland Rail is launching the next phase of its Trains Can't Stop Quickly, You Can campaign to help keep the number of close calls at level crossings across regional Queensland on a downward trend.
Queensland Rail Acting Head of Regional Scott Cornish said he was pleased to see the number of near misses reduce by 20 per cent in 2022 compared to 2021.
“In 2022, Queensland Rail reported 82 near misses with cars and pedestrians at level crossings across regional Queensland, down from 103 reported in 2021," Mr Cornish said.
“While it's an encouraging result, the reality is every one of these incidents is avoidable if people pay attention to the signs and signals in place for everyone's safety.
“With the continued cooperation of road users we can drive down the number of close calls even further in 2023."
Mr Cornish said alarming CCTV footage released today showed a driver dicing with death to dash across the tracks at the Draper Street crossing in Cairns narrowly avoiding a collision with the Spirit of Queensland train which passed through just seconds after.
“The shocking vision shows a driver blatantly ignoring the signs and activated flashing lights," he said.
"This is an important reminder for road users to pay attention to the signs and signals in place for everyone's safety.
“Trains on the regional network can travel at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour and can't stop quickly or swerve. It can take only a matter of seconds for a near miss to turn into a tragedy.
“Near miss and collision incidents can have a lasting physical and emotional impact on all involved, including the road users and train driver, but also loved ones, witnesses and first responders.
“Motorists caught ignoring railway crossing protection and damaging or obstructing level crossing infrastructure can be fined up to $1,150 and four demerit points."
For more information on the campaign visit the Queensland Rail website.
ENDS
| Region | Level crossing near misses (with road vehicles and pedestrians) | | |
| | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 (to 28 February 2023) |
| SOUTH WEST QUEENSLAND (Rosewood - Quilpie) | 38 | 22 | 5 |
| FAR NORTH QLD / TABLELANDS (Conn - Kuranda - Forsayth) | 34 | 20 | 5 |
| NORTH QLD (Ingham - Abbot Point, Hughenden) | 16 | 14 | 2 |
| WIDE BAY (Theebine - Netley) | 3 | 7 | 1 |
| CENTRAL QLD (Miriam Vale - Marlborough) | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| NORTH WEST QLD (Mt Isa - Boree, Normanton) | 2 | 4 | 0 |
| MACKAY / WHITSUNDAY (Kooltandra - Kaili) | 5 | 10 | 0 |
| CENTRAL WEST (Emerald to Winton) | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 103 | 82 | 14 |
| Regional near misses | | | |
| | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 (to 28 February 2023) |
| Near miss with road vehicles | 90 | 76 | 13 |
| Near miss with persons | 13 | 6 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 103 | 82 | 14 |