![]() |
20 December 2011
Take Care around Level Crossings this Christmas
Collisions between vehicles and trains at public road level crossings are at their lowest number since 1997, according to figures released today by KiwiRail.
KiwiRail Infrastructure & Engineering General Manager Rick van Barneveld says there have been 14 collisions between vehicles and trains at public level crossings to date in 2011.
“This is 8 lower than the total for last year and 22 lower than 2005 when there were 36 collisions.
However he says he joins the Chris Cairns Foundation in encouraging motorists to drive safely and not to be complacent around level crossings this Christmas.
“We’re pleased that most people seem to taking more care and driving safely around railway level crossings, but we also appreciate it’s a busy time of year and people can be easily distracted or in a hurry to get somewhere.
“We would urge motorists and pedestrians to take their time around level crossings and to stay focused and obey the warning signs that are there to protect them.”
Chris Cairns Foundation Chairman Chris Cairns says he too is hoping for a collision-free Christmas.
“I take it to heart when anyone is involved in a collision with a train, because I know first-hand the enormous personal impact these collisions have on the victims and their families.”
“But I also feel empathy for the locomotive engineers and other train staff who are so often the forgotten victims of these collisions.”
Two motorists have died this year in level crossing collisions, and ten people have died from trespassing on railway tracks.
KiwiRail also announced today it has completed upgrades of a further three level crossings around the country.
New half-arm barriers have been installed at the Amyes Road level crossing in Hornby (Canterbury) and at the Totara Street crossing in Mt Maunganui.
New flashing light and bells alarms have also been commissioned at Stony Creek on the West Coast of the South Island.
Other News
22 November 2011
A new rail safety website has been launched to raise awareness and educate the...
30 June 2011
The Chris Cairns Foundation has appointed two new trustees to its...
9 June 2011
KiwiRail and the Chris Cairns Foundation are proud to support ILCAD – the...
2 June 2011
The Chris Cairns Foundation and KiwiRail have joined the Secondary Schools...
23 December 2010
KiwiRail and the Chris Cairns Foundation are warning people to take care around...
7 December 2010
KiwiRail is reminding Wairarapa and Manawatu residents to always take care...
22 October 2010
Yesterday’s high profile court case where Alan Stephens was convicted of...
1 September 2010
“Lose a minute, not your life” is the message that has gone up on 12 new rail...
23 August 2010
Rail safety campaigner and former New Zealand international test cricketer...
12 July 2010
KiwiRail is calling for patience following a recent spate of vandalism which is...
22 June 2010
Manawatu-Wanganui has had the highest number of level crossing collisions this...
28 March 2010
Chris Cairns was bowled for six by Waikato University masters student Helen...
26 March 2010
Chris Cairns was in Ngaruawahia today to observe safety measures put in place...
26 March 2010
Two near level crossing collisions involving school buses in the last month are...
1 October 2009
I am pleased to provide my comments on the Chris Cairns Foundation, our...
30 July 2009
Former New Zealand test cricketer and rail safety campaigner Chris Cairns is...
29 July 2009
Speech of Hon Nathan Guy - Associate Transport Minister - at the Wellington...
26 July 2009
Passionate rail safety campaigner Chris Cairns arrives in New Zealand today to...
25 June 2009
Rail safety campaigner and former international cricketer Chris Cairns says he...
29 September 2008
Thank you to everyone who has text donated $3 to the Chris Cairns Foundation....
“...The profile he has given the issue in the short time since the Foundation’s announcement has already had a significant impact”.
From the speech of RT Hon Helen Clark Prime Minister of New Zealand, at the Chris Cairns Foundation Dinner 2006.
