TrackSAFE New Zealand is urging motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to take extra care at railway level crossings after three separate collisions involving trains and vehicles occurred across the country in a single day.
The incidents, which occurred on Friday, involved two crashes on the East Coast Main Trunk line in the Bay of Plenty and a third collision in Carterton, prompting renewed calls for road users to remain vigilant whenever approaching railway crossings.
The first crash happened around midday at the Pongakawa School Road level crossing, where a vehicle collided with a freight train. The crossing is protected by flashing lights, warning bells and half-arm barriers. One person was taken to hospital with moderate injuries.
A short time later, another vehicle was involved in a minor collision with a train at the Ōtamarākau level crossing on the same railway line.
The third incident occurred shortly before 4pm at Andersons Line in Carterton, where a passenger train collided with a vehicle at a level crossing. Four people suffered minor injuries.
TrackSAFE says the three crashes in a single day appear to be unprecedented in at least the past two decades and serve as a stark reminder that level crossings require the full attention of every road user.
The organisation says trains cannot swerve to avoid obstacles and can require more than a kilometre to come to a complete stop, even when emergency brakes are applied. As a result, even a momentary lapse in concentration can have devastating consequences.
While investigations into each of the crashes are continuing, TrackSAFE is reminding people to always stop, look, listen and obey all warning signs, lights and barriers before crossing railway tracks. It says familiarity with a crossing should never lead to complacency.
The charity also acknowledged the work of emergency services, KiwiRail staff and first responders who attended the incidents and extended its thoughts to everyone affected.
The warning comes ahead of Rail Safety Week preparations, with rail safety advocates continuing to encourage New Zealanders to make safe decisions around the country’s hundreds of public level crossings.
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