National Rail Safety Week 2011 launched around Australasia on Monday to educate Australian and New Zealand communities about safety around railways.
Running until Sunday 28 August, with the theme ‘Safer Railways for Safer Communities’, more than 20 Australian and New Zealand organisations are collaborating with Australian and New Zealand Police to educate motorists, pedestrians and cyclists in rail safety.
Mr Bryan Nye, CEO of the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) said the initiative grows each year as rail organisations and the Police see the benefit of getting rail safety messages into Australian and New Zealand communities.
“National Rail Safety Week is a vital rail safety initiative. More and more organisations approach the Australasian Railway Association each year as they see the value in educating their local communities in rail safety,” he said.
This year National Rail Safety Week focuses on level crossing safety and trespass.
“Rail is the safest form of land transport yet risks are present when road users behave dangerously at railway level crossings or take shortcuts along train tracks,” said Mr Nye.
“The rail industry works relentlessly towards its goal of zero deaths and National Rail Safety Week is a key initiative in promoting safe behaviour around railways and tram lines.
The theme this year aims to remind motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists to take extra care around railways and always practice safe behaviour.
“On average 77 road vehicles collide with trains annually, not including pedestrian and cyclist incidents. To improve safety at and around railways, we need everyone to play their part. This means always obeying road rules and never taking risks,” said Mr Nye.
National Rail Safety Week 2011 will also have an internal focus, with many rail organisations running initiatives aimed at their employees to promote safety in the workplace.
“This year we are aiming to also improve safety in our industry by raising awareness amongst track workers, train drivers and rail employees” continued Mr Nye.
“We urge everyone to spread rail safety messages with their friends, colleagues and families, to encourage safer railways for safer communities.”
