As holidays and the silly season approaches, the TrackSAFE Foundation is reminding the community that rail safety is no joke!
With an average seven fatalities a month on the Australian rail network, and an increase in people travelling at this time of year, TrackSAFE, the rail sector’s National Harm Prevention Charity is urging both locals and those passing through to ‘Expect the Unexpected. Watch out for Trains!’
TrackSAFE’s Executive Director, Heather Neil says “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.”
"Coming into the festive season, we’re reminding the community to be alert and aware when on or around the rail network – a moment of complacency or distraction can change your life forever.”
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.
Fatalities and near hits on the network may cause severe trauma to rail employees and the wider community and most incidents can be avoided.
“Let’s remember to take off our headphones, not use our phone while getting on to a train and always obeying signs at level crossings – whether we’re a pedestrian or a driver in a vehicle.” Ms Neil said.
Over the festive season, TrackSAFE’s rail safety campaign will be visible on billboards and outdoor signage, at shopping centre and hotel restrooms throughout many regional areas around the country. The campaign reminds locals and travellers alike to Expect the Unexpected. Watch out for Trains.
TrackSAFE Foundation Executive Director Heather Neil recommends the following tips to stay safe on and around rail:
• Not rushing to beat the gate at level crossings
• Always obeying level crossing signs and signals
• Always checking for trains in both directions
• Turning down distractions by taking off headphones and looking up from phones
• Holding onto handrails on trains.
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
Access to recent fatality and incident data reports can be found here, including state/territory breakdowns.
ENDS
Further information
Hope Steele
Stakeholder Engagement & Communications Manager | TrackSAFE Foundation
0434 347 650 | hsteele@tracksafefoundation.com.au
Contact details:
Hope Steele
Stakeholder Engagement & Communications Manager | TrackSAFE Foundation
0434 347 650 | hsteele@tracksafefoundation.com.au
