Drivers are being urged to be vigilant around level crossings ahead of the upcoming long weekend to ensure everyone arrives at their destinations safely.
Incidents around level crossings have improved in the area and it is important to not become complacent.
I urge people visiting family and friends to heed the warnings.
Road users need to stay focused and obey the signs and signals at railway crossings after 6 incidents were reported in the Region this year.
Across the state last year, 285 drivers and pedestrians were reported gambling with their lives at railway crossings across Queensland, a drop of 27 per cent compared with the year prior.
In the Region, I’m pleased to say that the number of incidents has dropped significantly from 2012.
While it is pleasing to see an overall reduction in the number of near misses, it’s shocking how many people are still willing to risk their lives for the sake of saving a few minutes.
The fact remains that any near miss is still one too many.
The successful ‘crosses’ campaign continued to be rolled out across the State.
White crosses are used in the campaign as a stark reminder of how people gamble with their lives by playing Russian roulette with trains at level crossings.
The campaign aims to prevent tragedy at railway crossings by encouraging people to simply obey the signs and signals – whether it’s boom gates, flashing lights or signage.
Pedestrians caught ignoring railway crossing protection could cop an on the spot fine of $220, and offending drivers could face a $330 penalty and three demerit points.
[ENDS] 15 April 2014
Media Contact: Stephen Bennett 0448523235 Burnett Electorate Office 4159 1988
Summary of railway crossing near misses reported in the 2012 & 2013 calendar years
| Region |
2012 |
2013 |
| South East Queensland |
224 |
163 |
| South West Queensland |
70 |
54 |
| North Queensland |
42 |
28 |
| Far North Queensland/Tablelands |
18 |
10 |
| Mackay/Whitsunday |
14 |
5 |
| North West Queensland |
5 |
13 |
| Central Queensland |
10 |
3 |
| Central West |
5 |
4 |
| Wide Bay |
6 |
2 |
| Gympie/Sunshine Coast |
3 |
3 |
|
Total: |
397 |
285 |