More near misses for pedestrians wearing headphones at rail crossings

Monday, 14 August 2017

Various train drivers discuss the increase of near misses on the tracks as people are distracted by things such as headphones and aren't paying attention. (First published August 2017)

More pedestrians are having near misses at train crossings and headphones are partly to blame, KiwiRail says.

There were 15 near misses reported between pedestrians and trains in 2010, this year there have already been 68.

Last year there were 94 recorded near misses.

Safer crossing: The barrier arms and pedestrian maze fencing aims to make a busy level rail crossing safer. (File photo)

KiwiRail and TrackSafe NZ are launching a nationwide campaign about risky behaviour around railway tracks.

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'Both in New Zealand and around the world, an increase in the number of people using personal technology is causing distraction around railway tracks,' says KiwiRail asset and investment manager David Gordon said.

'There have been a number of incidents recently where headphones have been found to be the cause. These are incredibly traumatic events.'

The increase can partly be attributed to a focus by KiwiRail to improve reporting on near misses, KiwiRail said in a statement.

But it also reflected a global trend in the rise of rail incidents involving pedestrians.

Gordon said it was important for people to be aware of their surroundings when they were at railway crossings.

There were three deaths at level crossings in the past 18 months that reportedly involved people wearing headphones, TrackSafe NZ's foundation manager Megan Drayton said.

'People are often on autopilot when they're familiar with an environment and don't remember to look up from their phones or remove their headphones when they approach a level crossing,' Drayton said.

'Other factors are also feeding into this - growing populations, more train services and faster and quieter trains, particularly in Auckland and Wellington.'

KiwiRail is also working with the NZTA on a trial warning system which sees flashing LED lights installed in the footpath near crossings.

The lights, which are being trialled in Rangiora, Porirua and Palmerston North, are designed to alert pedestrians who are wearing headphones or carrying mobile devices that a train is approaching.

SAFETY ADVICE FOR PEDESTRIANS:

· Every time you're near railway tracks, be alert. Trains can come at any time, from either direction.

· Only cross at formed pedestrian crossings or an overpass or underpass.

· Remove your headphones, stop and always look both ways for trains before crossing the tracks.

· Only cross if you are sure there are no trains in sight.

· Obey the warning signs at the crossing – if lights are flashing or bells are ringing it means a train is approaching.

· If a train has passed or is stationary at a station, always check both ways again to make sure another train is not coming. Two tracks might mean there is a second train.