QR launches new level-crossing safety campaign after seven collisions, 211 near misses

Footage of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists dodging oncoming trains has been released as part of a safety campaign. WATCH THE VIDEO

RECKLESS motorists and pedestrians have been caught on camera in frightening near-misses with oncoming trains at level crossings, with footage revealing some people were just seconds from disaster.

Queensland Rail has revealed there were seven collisions and 211 near-misses on level crossings across the state in the 2019-20 financial year.

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The shocking statistics have prompted a new promotional push, with QR saying there has only been a frustratingly small fall in the number of incidents on the network compared to 2018-19, when there were 221 incidents reported.

Over the past year, 130 incidents occurred in the southeast corner of Queensland serviced by commuter trains, between Caboolture, Varsity Lakes and Rosewood, with 88 of those involving pedestrians.

The network between Rosewood and Quilpie, west of Brisbane, came in second with 33 reported incidents.

A narrow miss caught on camera by a train-mounted camera. Picture: Queensland Rail.

Shocking footage released by Queensland Rail to the Courier-Mail shows motorists, pedestrians and cyclists narrowly avoiding trains, some of which can travel up to 160km/h.

“The number of incidences across our network is extremely alarming and completely avoidable,” QR’s customer and corporate affairs group executive Natalie Roach said.

“What concerns us most is the physical and emotional impact these incidents can have on everyone involved,” Ms Roach said.

“A near miss or collision not only has a lasting effect on the individual; but also, their family, friends, witnesses, first responders, rail customers and on-board train crew,” she said.

Ms Roach said road users had no excuse for not stopping at level crossings when trains were approaching.

“All level crossings have some form of protection including warning signs, flashing lights and boom gates,” she said.

Trains across Queensland can travel at up to 160km/h. Picture AAP/David Clark

“The onus is on road users to be aware of the warning devices in place to keep them safe.”

Ms Roach said the campaign has been launched to coincide with a ‘silly season’ between November and January, when Queensland Rail has noted a spike in the number of incidents at level crossings.

According to QR, motorists faced a $1067 fine and three demerit point penalty if caught ignoring railway crossing protection and damaging or obstructing level crossing equipment.

Statewide, 125 of the incidents were between trains and motorists and 93 involved pedestrians.