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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Marree Sylva
“This can happen to anyone no matter how good a driver you think you are”
- 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
Improving safety at railway level crossings will only happen if there is a cohesive and joint effort by central and local Government, rail, road and trucking organisations and Police according to New Zealand’s heavy vehicle drivers.
Close encounters with trains are on the rise and as train frequencies increase, KiwiRail and TrackSAFE NZ are encouraging everyone to take a simple action that could save their lives. 