RACT joins calls for road users to stay safe around trains

Published | 6 August 2024

RACT has expressed alarm at a disturbing spike in reported instances of road users failing to stop or give way at rail level crossings.

The figures, released by TasRail during Rail Safety week, show a dramatic increase in incidents from 39 in 2022-23 to 68 in 2023-24. 

RACT joined calls from TasRail, Tasmania Police and the Road Safety Advisory Council for road users to obey signage and warning signals at level crossings. 

Our General Manager of Advocacy and Government Relations Mel Percival said failure to obey level crossing signals could have catastrophic consequences. 

“As part of our commitment to keeping all road users safe, RACT is pleased to support TasRail’s campaign “What is it going to take?”, Ms Percival said.  

“Ignoring signals and signage at level crossings can be deadly, but it also has a psychological and emotional toll on train operators, who are powerless to prevent disaster. 

“Running a red light at a rail crossing is no different than running a red light on the road – it is just not worth the risk.” 

TasRail’s campaign features stories from drivers and other team members about the cumulative impact that near misses at level crossings can have. 

“They are rightfully asking, what is it going to take for road users to heed the warnings and change their behaviour? 

“We don’t want an avoidable death or serious injury to be the catalyst for change. 

“The message is simple, give way to trains and always obey signals at level crossings – you will not only protect yourself, but the people who keep our rail network moving.”