Jerome Kaino gets involved in Rail Safety Week

It’s Rail Safety Week again and this year’s theme of “Expect Trains” is aimed at encouraging people to look up from their devices and be aware when travelling across level crossings.

 
Auckland Transport ambassador Jerome Kaino is on board with making sure everyone stays safe around trains.
 
The All Black and Auckland Blues player regularly uses public transport to get around himself.
 
He wants to get the message out that you need to keep your eyes and your ears open when approaching level crossings.
 
“Always be careful at rail crossings, be aware of your surroundings. When the sirens and the lights are going, wait until they stop and the barrier lifts before it’s safe to cross, because trains can come out of nowhere.”

This week’s Rail Safety Week was opened at the Wellington Train Station by Transport Minister Simon Bridges.
 
Rail Safety Week is an annual Australasian initiative were rail operators and organisations across New Zealand and Australia come together to raise awareness about rail safety.

The week is planned and coordinated by KiwiRail in close association with TrackSAFE NZ, NZ Transport Agency, NZ Police, Auckland Transport, Transdev Auckland, Transdev Wellington and Greater Wellington Regional Council. 

Safety advice for pedestrians
Take extra care and stay alert when crossing the tracks.
Remember to always obey the warning signs at the crossing – if lights are flashing or bells are ringing, one or more trains are coming.
Stop and look for trains both ways up and down the tracks.
Stay focused. Take off your headphones and put away your phone when near railway tracks.
If there’s a pedestrian swing gate, wait until the gate opens fully before crossing.
Don’t assume an approaching train will stop at the station – some trains pass through stations without stopping (freight and not-in-service trains).