Public understanding about the serious consequences of poor driving at level crossings is not helped by police diversion being offered for collisions involving careless driving, rail workers say. Read more
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RailSafety-
Your stories
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Ian Thornton
“I've lost count of how many near misses I've had”
- View all of your storiesAll rail crossings should be treated with respect. Read stories from victims to train engineers, talking about rail crossing crashes.
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- Campaigns
- NewsLatest rail safety stories in the media
- Main North Line RebuildKeeping safe on the Main North Line
- PostersDownloadable rail safety posters
- Fun for KidsFirst rail safety lessons for little people
- Heavy Vehicle ResearchHeavy Vehicle Safety Campaign
- Rail Safety WeekRail Safety Week is an annual awareness raising event
- Train SimulatorDownload the train simulator
- TV ProgrammesRail safety news stories help raise awareness about the issues
- Rail environment
- Facts about trainsTrains are usually travelling faster than they appear
- Rail in New ZealandThere are around 3000 level crossings in New Zealand
- Level crossingsA unique part of the road/rail interface
- Crossing protectionPublic crossings all have either 'active' or 'passive' protection
- Research and ProjectsCurrent level crossing safety research and projects
- Upgrades to CrossingsKiwiRail plans to carry out 8 upgrades a year
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Safety advice
- MotoristsMotorists must always give way to trains and other rail vehicles
- PedestriansThere are only certain areas you can legally cross railway tracks
- Overhead WiresOverhead wires present significant safety risks
- Platforms and stationsBehind the yellow line is your best protection
- Travelling with childrenTake particular care around trains when travelling with children
- Rail safety in schoolsTrackSAFE promotes best practice rail safety education
- Electric TrainsElectric trains are faster and quieter than diesel powered trains
- Heavy vehiclesSafety advice for heavy vehicle drivers
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Issues
- TrespassingTrespass is the leading cause of deaths on the railway
- Level crossing collisions228 vehicles have collided with trains in the past ten years
- Near collisionsOver a third of near collisions occur at crossings with barrier arms
- CausesMost collisions happen because the driver or pedestrian has made a mistake
- The LawTrains have the legal right of way at all times
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About
- TrackSAFE NZTrackSAFE is an awareness raising charitable trust
- What we doWe aim to raise awareness and educate about rail safety
- Board of TrusteesWho governs the operations of TrackSAFE NZ
- Our PartnersTrackSAFE NZ relies on sponsorship and donations
- Rail Safety AwardsThe "Louise Cairns Award" recognises commitment to rail safety
- This SiteFind information about keeping safe on this website
- TrackSAFE AustraliaWe collaborate closely with TrackSAFE in Australia on related campaigns
KiwiRail is reminding motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to take care at level crossings in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions now there are extra trains running between Hamilton, Tauranga and Mt Maunganui. 
