Eight people lost their lives in accidents with trains over the past year and Rail Safety Week is taking a unique approach to tackle that number.
In this year’s campaign, KiwiRail and TrackSAFE are harnessing the power of superstition to encourage safer behaviour around level crossings.
It’s calling on pedestrians and motorists to “blow to the left and right” as they approach a crossing.
The rise in collisions and near misses with trains in the past year has prompted a creative new approach to engage with the public on rail safety.
The number of collisions at public level crossings alone has more than doubled – from 13 in the year to June 30, 2021 to 28 in the last year.
In the last decade, 155 people have died in collisions with trains in New Zealand, and 91 more people have been seriously injured.
“Train accidents are unforgiving. The average freight train weighs well over 1000 tonnes and cannot swerve to avoid a person or vehicle or stop easily,” KiwiRail chief executive Peter Reidy says.
“We continue to work with councils and other organisations to upgrade level crossings, and we’re trialling new technologies – such as AI cameras that can identify trespassers on railway lines and alert approaching train drivers in good time – but Kiwis have an important role to play as well.
“The increase in collisions in the last year shows that people need to change how they act around the rail network.
“That’s why this year’s Rail Safety Week campaign is focused on getting people to think differently about safety, through the “blow left and right” superstition. I also hope it sparks discussion about what behaviours would keep them safe.
“While most superstitions don’t actually deliver real benefits, this one might just save lives.”
TrackSAFE NZ foundation manager Megan Drayton says people needed to take more care around railway lines.
“The jump in level crossing collisions is concerning – given many of those crossings already have flashing lights and bells or barrier arms. It shows us some motorists and pedestrians are either still being complacent or taking unnecessary risks,” she says.
“But in today’s high-pressure environment, we know people can switch off at more grim warnings.
“There are many interesting superstitions out there and they can be powerful drivers of human behaviour, no matter where you live or who you are.
“The new superstition we’re promoting instils safe behaviour. It might sound unconventional but we’re hoping that is precisely what will break through. When you blow left and right, you also conveniently look both ways, allowing you to spot oncoming trains,” Drayton says.
Transport minister Michael Wood says with additional trains operating across the network powered by the Government’s investment in rail, there is need for a renewed focus on 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.
“Since 2017 we have invested $8.6 billion to build a resilient and reliable network after decades of neglect and decline. Much of this is the bread and butter of our network replacing track, new culverts and bridges, upgraded turnouts, all of which are needed for a safe and effective network,” 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,” he adds.
Rail Safety Week runs from August 8 to 14. As part of the week, Waka Kotahi is facilitating a rail safety virtual field trip, targeted at intermediate and secondary aged students.
The campaign is coordinated by KiwiRail and TrackSAFE in close partnership with Waka Kotahi, NZ Police, Auckland Transport, Auckland One Rail, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Transdev Wellington and councils throughout New Zealand.
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