Rail Safety Week will launch tomorrow to lift the focus on level crossing accidents throughout Australia and New Zealand
The Australian National Rail Safety Week will launch tomorrow in an attempt to lift the focus on level crossing accidents throughout Australia and New Zealand.
On average a total of 37 Australians die in level crossings each year, with the majority of these accidents taking place at level crossings complete with lights, bells and boom gates on straight dry roads, during work hours on weekdays.
Headed by the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), the campaign has the support of 30 rail organisation in both countries.
ARA Chief Executive Bryan Nye says it is important the public take notice of the message his association is trying to put across.
“When it comes to level crossings, the message is simple- obey the road rules. We’re not urging road users to give way at level crossings for fun. It could save your life and someone else’s,” Nye says.
The week will be launched with an ARA dinner, held at the State Library of Victoria tomorrow night.
Former New Zealand cricketer Chris Cairns who lost his sister in a level crossing accident will speak about the impact it has had on his life as well as the work of the Chris Cairns Foundation, which focuses on level crossings.