Disturbing increase in crossing collisions

Disturbing increase in the number of level crossing collisions
26 July 2009

An increase in the number of level crossing collisions in the first half of 2009 is a disturbing reversal of the trend in recent years towards fewer collisions, the Chief Executive of KiwiRail, Jim Quinn said today.

Mr Quinn said fifteen vehicle collisions in the first half of the year at public level crossings was only five short of the total number of vehicle collisions for last year, eight short of the total for 2007 and virtually the same as the total for 2006.

Equally disturbing, he said, is that the ten fatalities in the six months (a combination of vehicle and pedestrian) are only three less than for the whole of 2008 and the same as for 2007.

“There is an element of unpredictability about level crossing collisions. However the number of collisions has been trending down as we’ve increased the number of level crossings being upgraded and raised awareness of the issue.

“It is disappointing that we’re seeing this blip in the first half of 2009. It’s even more disappointing that some of the collisions that have occurred this year so far have been in circumstances that suggest driver inattention or disregard for warning signs and signals.

“It is disturbing that almost fifteen percent of level crossing collisions occur at crossings protected by barrier arms or lights and bells. That tells us that active alarms aren’t the complete answer and we need to increase awareness of the dangers at level crossings.

“Essentially, it’s a case of drivers approaching a level crossing the same way they’d approach a road intersection. A STOP sign means stop - not ignore the crossing on the basis that there may be nothing coming.

“This is a matter of education and awareness. We look to Rail Safety Awareness Week which starts on Monday to help raise awareness.”

Mr Quinn said statistics indicate the risk of being involved in a level crossing collision remains highest in the southern half of the South Island. Last year, KiwiRail’s Network infrastructure staff produced a league table of New Zealand roading authority collision history over five years.

Last year, Selwyn District Council topped the list with eight collisions over the five years on its 43 level crossings. This year, Invercargill City takes top spot - also with eight on 34 crossings while Selwyn drops back to equal second with seven collisions.

Equal on seven collisions are Clutha District, Christchurch City and Tauranga City.

Almost 40 percent of level crossing collisions over the past five years have been in or south of Christchurch and 15 percent have been south of Dunedin.

“We’re not altogether pointing the finger at southern drivers because the network from Christchurch to Invercargill has 37 percent of the country’s level crossings. But we are saying there are risk factors which we want road users to be aware of,” said Mr Quinn.

ENDS