EMBARGOED UNTIL MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 6 AUGUST 2023
With an average seven fatalities a month on the Australian rail network, the TrackSAFE Foundation and the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) are urging everyone to take more care at level crossings and station platforms.
Chair of the TrackSAFE Foundation and the ARA Danny Broad said more than 100 organisations in Australia and New Zealand will unite for Rail Safety Week, held from August 7-13, to remind people to ‘Expect the Unexpected. Watch out for Trains!’.
“Rail Safety Week highlights how the industry, unions, police, government and the wider community can work together to support a safer rail network,” Mr Broad said.
“This week we are reminding everyone to be more alert and aware when near or on the rail network – a moment of distraction can change your life forever.
“Let’s remember to take off our headphones, not use our phone while getting on to a train and always obey signs at level crossings – whether we’re a pedestrian or a driver in a vehicle.”
Between 2016-2022, there were an average of 84 rail-related fatalities per year, or seven per month in Australia, and 1,760 level crossing and trespass near hits.
During Rail Safety Week, rail operators, police, governments and community organisations across the country will hold several events including safety demonstrations and webinars and encourage schools and community groups to raise awareness about how to stay safe around rail.
ARA CEO Caroline Wilkie and TrackSAFE Foundation Director said this year’s campaign will also include a focus on regional areas with the reminder to ‘Expect the Unexpected. Watch out for Trains!’.
“Trains are a significant part of Australia’s regional transport network and can come any time, day or night, including when we’re least expecting them,” said Ms Wilkie.
“Fatalities and near hits on the network may cause severe trauma to rail employees and the wider community and most incidents can be avoided.”
- Turning down distractions by taking off headphones and looking up from phones
- Not rushing to beat the gate at level crossings
- Holding onto handrails on trains
- Always obeying level crossing signs and signals
- Always checking for trains in both directions
For more information and access to free Rail Safety Week 2023 resources visit here.
Access to fatality and incident data reports can be found here, including state/territory breakdowns.
About TrackSAFE Foundation
The TrackSAFE Foundation is the rail industry’s harm prevention charity and aims to reduce fatalities and injuries on the rail network resulting from suicide, trespass and human error, whilst also improving the wellbeing of the rail workforce.
https://tracksafefoundation.com.au/watchoutfortrains/
About the Australasian Railway Association
The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) is the peak body for the rail sector in Australia and New Zealand, with more than 220 member organisations. The ARA’s program of work is focused on supporting a strong advocacy agenda and creating opportunities for the rail industry to network, collaborate and share information, and maximise the benefits rail has to offer the wider community.
Contact details:
Further information
Hope Steele
Stakeholder Engagement & Communications Manager | TrackSAFE Foundation
0434 347 650 |
hsteele@tracksafefoundation.com.au
Natasha Wallace
Senior Strategic Communications Manager |
Australasian Railway Association
0499 272 672 | nwallace@ara.net.au
