Call for Kiwis to get on-board with rail safety

“Over the last five years the Government has invested significantly to improve level crossings around the country, with more than 40 pedestrian and road level crossing upgrades complete in Auckland and Wellington and 36 road crossings on the State Highway network finished nationwide,” Wood said.

In the past decade, 155 people have died in collisions with trains in New Zealand, and a further 91 people have been seriously injured.

In the year to 30 June, eight people lost their lives in collisions with trains.

“The fact is collisions with trains are usually avoidable,” says Wood. “We all need to make sure that whenever we approach a rail line – we are alert, obey signs, warning bells and barriers, and look both ways for trains.”

In the last year there have been 28 collisions at public crossings, more than 13 collisions in 2021. More than 60% of those collisions last year were at level crossings that already have protections, like barrier arms, flashing lights and bells.

“Covid-19 lockdowns, alert level changes and an increase in people working from home are likely to have contributed to the drop in collisions in recent years – with fewer cars and trucks on our roads,” Wood says.

“But the jump in the last year is deeply concerning. With New Zealand welcoming visitors back to our shores, it is crucial that we take rail safety seriously and are cautious and patient around level crossings.

“I encourage all Kiwis to get behind KiwiRail and TrackSafe NZ’s 2022 Rail Safety Week Campaign, which is focused on a ‘blow left, blow right’ superstition,” he says.

“It’s more important than ever that we learn and follow safe behaviours now.”