Transport for NSW and the NSW will be enforcing level crossing safety in the state’s far west in the coming week. There’s plenty of illegal behaviour from drivers that don’t understand the dangers, especially when drivers become frustrated or impatient.
In a car vs train collision, the train always wins. It can take a large train over a kilometer to stop after it’s hit a vehicle, and in that time the vehicle can be extensively damaged and its occupants kills or seriously injured
Many motorists take risks around level crossings, which is why Transport for NSW funds this targeted police campaign.
Over the coming weeks, police will target level crossings in Far West NSW, with a particular focus on the Holten Drive level crossing in Broken Hill, urging drivers to obey road rules around level crossings and not to rush to the other side.
Residents living in nearby areas will be kept informed of the campaign with letterbox drops and some local radio and press advertising ahead of the enforcement period. There will also be electronic billboards reminding motorists to be careful at level crossings during the campaign.
Senior Sergeant Mick Timms, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, said the level crossing enforcement campaign is all about saving lives and preventing injuries.
“Road users need to be reminded to take extreme care at level crossings – because a single moment of distraction or recklessness could cost them their life”, Senior Sergeant Timms said.
“Between 2001/02 and 2013/14, there were 118 collisions involving trains and road vehicles at level crossings throughout the state with four near-hits at Holten Drive in the past four years alone – which is why we’re cracking down on this dangerous behaviour.”
The penalty for disobeying controls at a level crossing is three demerit points and a $415 fine.
Here’s NSW’s pedestrian level crossing safety ad from a few years ago.
Darren is an expert on driving and transport, and is a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists
