A joint NZ Transport Agency, KiwiRail and TrackSAFE NZ campaign targeted at improving driver awareness at railway level crossings is underway in the Ruapehu district. The ‘Expect a train’ campaign aims to get local drivers off ’autopilot’ mode when crossing rural railway tracks. Read more
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RailSafety-
Your stories
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Willy Palmer
“We never want to see the horrific things we do”
- 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
- 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
- Auckland UpgradesThe strategy is to remove all at-grade railway crossings in Auckland
- 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 AwardsNominations open for Safety Leadership Award
- This SiteFind information about keeping safe on this website
- TrackSAFE AustraliaWe collaborate closely with TrackSAFE in Australia on related campaigns
Close calls at level crossings are taking a huge toll on train drivers and those who narrowly miss death. 