Stay alert around trains and trams

Tuesday, 30 May 2023

South Australians are being reminded to be vigilant and avoid taking risks around trains and trams - with new vision released today highlighting recent close calls that almost ended in tragedy as people risked their life in front of oncoming trains.

Dramatic near-miss footage on Adelaide’s rail network – which will be broadcast through a government social media campaign - shows the extraordinary dangers of inattention and unsafe behaviour around trains, trams and rail lines.

On average, six collisions and 110 near misses involving either a person or a vehicle are reported by rail operators in South Australia each year.

There are approximately 480 pedestrian crossings and 557 public level crossings on South Australian railway lines, which highlights how frequently the public interact with rail corridors and the importance of exercising caution at all times.

Trains travel at speeds of up to 110km/h and cannot stop quickly.

A typical passenger train weighs around 140 tonnes and can take up to the length of two football ovals to come to a complete stop, while freight trains may need well over 1km of track to stop safely.

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists should keep these simple points in mind when they’re nearby railway tracks:

• Always stay behind the white line when waiting for a train or tram, or to cross at a level crossing
• Be sensible, pay attention and be alert around trains and on platforms, checking for oncoming trains in both directions (not just the track nearest you)
• Stay alert and look both ways, ensuring you only cross rail tracks at dedicated pedestrian and vehicle crossings
• Remember to put your mobile phone away, dismount from your bike and always remove headphones when you are near train tracks
• Take extra care around crossings with multiple tracks, high train frequency, or where there are no gates or signals
• It is illegal to enter a level crossing while the lights are flashing or when warning bells sound
• Always ensure there is enough space for your vehicle on the other side of a level crossing before making the decision to cross
• Wait for the lights and bells to stop and the boom gates to go up before crossing the tracks at a level crossing.

South Australians are reminded to Stand back. Look up. And Stay Rail Safe at all times – and they can test their rail safety knowledge by taking the quiz at www.mylicence.sa.gov.au/road-rules/rail-safety-quiz.

Find out more about the campaign on the Department’s Facebook and Twitter.